Trump calls it 'efficient' as 2 Knesset lawmakers get ejected for pro-Palestine signs during speech

JERUSALEM, ISRAEL: President Donald Trump’s speech to the Israeli parliament on Monday, October 13, was briefly disrupted when two lawmakers staged a protest.

Ayman Odeh and Ofer Cassif, members of the Hadash-Ta’al party, held up signs calling for the recognition of Palestine.

When they both showed the signs, security staff quickly moved in and escorted them out of the Knesset chamber.

Trump reacted to the interruption with a touch of humor, commenting, “That was very efficient.”

Two lawmakers disrupt Trump’s speech in the Knesset plenum

Ayman Odeh and Ofer Cassif of the Hadash-Ta’al party held signs calling for recognition of Palestine when Trump spoke at Israel's parliament, called the Knesset plenum.

Odeh was the first to stand up, shout, and display a sign, followed by Cassif, the party’s only Jewish MK at this time. He also tried to hold up a sign before being removed.

Security quickly escorted both the MPs out, with footage showing a Knesset official ordering Cassif’s removal.

As per the European Council on Foreign Relations, "The Hadash-Ta’al list is formed of two parties: the Arab-Jewish Hadash led by Ayman Odeh, and the Arab nationalist Ta’al led by Ahmad Tibi. The list won 5 seats during the November 2022 elections."

After the removal, Trump paused, smiled, and remarked, “That was very efficient," before continuing.

Odeh, the party's chairman, is known for supporting Palestinian statehood, and both lawmakers have often clashed with the ruling coalition over their views.

The president urges Palestinians to choose peace 

During his speech, Trump said it was time for Palestinians to turn a new leaf. 

He said, “The choice for Palestinians could not be more clear. This is their chance to turn forever from the path of terror and violence that's been extreme, to exile the wicked forces of hate that are in their mix, and I think that's going to happen."

"I've met some people over the last couple of months that want to see it happen very much," he continued.

Trump also said, "After tremendous pain and death and hardship, now is the time to concentrate on building their people up instead of trying to tear Israel down. We don't want that to happen again." 

Trump also called the moment a “historic dawn of a new Middle East” and said, “After so many years of unceasing war and endless danger, today, the skies are calm, the guns are silent, the sirens are still, and the sun rises on a Holy Land that is finally at peace.”

Benjamin Netanyahu expresses gratitude for Trump's 'pivotal leadership'

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu addressed the Knesset, speaking in English to personally thank President Trump for his long-standing support of Israel.

"Donald Trump is the greatest friend that the state of Israel has ever had in the White House," Netanyahu said, earning applause from the chamber.

He also highlighted what he described as Trump’s "pivotal leadership" in negotiating the Gaza peace deal.

"Mr president, you are committed to this peace, I am committed to this peace, and together, Mr president, we will achieve this peace," Netanyahu added.