A nod from Trump
In the wake of the signing of a peace deal between Israel and Hamas, US President Donald Trump has given a speech to the Israeli parliament, celebrating their “victory” in the heated conflict. “The long and painful nightmare is finally over,” Trump exclaimed to cheering lawmakers.
The peace deal included the release of 250 Palestinian prisoners, held in Israel without due legal process, in addition to 1,700 other detained Palestinians. Hamas, the governing body of Gaza, meanwhile, released the last 20 living Israeli hostages captured in the October 7 attack two years ago.
a shoutout to a name synonymous with casino gaming in the US
Within his speech, Trump gave a shoutout to a name synonymous with casino gaming in the US. He praised the Adelson’s, both Israel-born Miriam and her American husband Sheldon, for their determination to influence US policy towards Israel.
Miriam now controls Las Vegas Sands (LVS) after her spouse’s death in 2021.
Their impact
During the Monday speech, Trump made reference to frequent White House visits made by the Adelsons over the years. Among other US policies, he credited them with a major role in the US decision to recognise Jerusalem as Israel’s capital in 2017.
Sheldon was so persistent he would “come in through the window,” Trump joked, to the sound of laughter among the Israeli lawmakers.
“Stand up, Miriam,” Trump beckoned to the LVS owner, who sat among the crowd in the Israeli Parliament, known as the Knesset. He then went on to shower the standing Miriam with praise, including calling her a wonderful woman who refused to say whether she loved Israel or the US more.
Most recently, Trump explained that Miriam played a big role in convincing him to keep working for the release of Israeli hostages, a feat achieved on Monday. It isn’t the first time Trump has made these claims, also publicly praising the Adelsons in January.
What next for Israel?
The most recent conflict between Palestine and Israel began on October 7, 2023 when Hamas launched an attack on its neighboring territory. They killed at least 1,139 people in that attack, mostly civilians, according to Israel. Israel retaliated with a major bombardment on Gaza, killing more than 25,000 people, mostly women and children, according to Palestine records.
President Trump’s 20-point peace plan is in place
Now, President Trump’s 20-point peace plan is in place. Israeli forces have pulled back to a pre-determined line, and aid has flooded into Gaza. World leaders met in an Egypt Peace Conference on Monday to celebrate the ceasefire and make plans for the future of the region.
However, what comes next is more difficult. Hamas wants a Palestinian state, something that Israel is adamantly against. Israel demands that Hamas disarm, something that the Gaza-based group has rejected. Israel has suggested it could resume military operations if its demands are not met.
