An ‘early victory lap’?
Just before Trump arrived at Israel’s Knesset, parliamentary staff handed out red MAGA-style hats reading, “Trump the peace president.”
His speech to lawmakers was carefully co-ordinated to take place after the hostages would be released, giving him a chance to bask in the moment.
In Tel Aviv and Jerusalem, U.S. flags have been affixed to buildings and light poles.
A few billboards compare Trump to Cyrus the Great, who according to the Bible is credited with liberating Jewish people from Babylonia.
“I’m not a big fan of Donald Trump, but I do give him credit for today and for making it happen,” said Carey Fried, who was wrapped in a U.S. flag.
“I think he’s taking an early victory lap. We’re not there yet. No Israelis are fooling themselves. We don’t believe the war is over.”
Trump, who is adamant that this is the end of the war, signed the Knesset guest book, writing, “This is my great honor. A great and beautiful day — a new beginning.”
