US President Donald Trump’s speech to the Israeli parliament on Monday was briefly interrupted by a protest. Two left-wing lawmakers, Ayman Odeh and Ofer Cassif from the Hadash-Ta’al party, stood up during his address and held signs demanding recognition of Palestine.
Security officers reacted quickly. They escorted both MPs out of the Knesset chamber as the crowd watched. Footage from the session showed a staff member loudly ordering Cassif’s expulsion.
Hadash-Ta’al MKs Ayman Odeh and Ofer Cassif removed from Trump’s speech after holding up signs calling to “recognize Palestine.”
— Sam Sokol (@SamuelSokol) October 13, 2025
Trump quips that the ejection was “very efficient.” pic.twitter.com/0tvs7JbSAS
Trump Responds Calmly
Trump paused for a moment as the disturbance unfolded. With a smile, he said, “That was very efficient,” drawing laughter from the audience. He then continued his speech, which received applause and several standing ovations from Israeli lawmakers.
Lawmakers Call for Palestinian Statehood
Odeh, the Hadash-Ta’al chairman, has long supported Palestinian statehood. Cassif also tried to raise a placard before being forced out. After the incident, Cassif shared a photo of the sign on social media. It read, “Recognise Palestine!”
Cassif Defends His Protest
Posting on X, Cassif wrote, “This is the sign I raised together with my friend @AyOdeh. We didn’t come to disturb, but to demand justice.”
He added, “True peace that will save both peoples of this land from destruction will only come with the end of the occupation and apartheid and the establishment of a Palestinian state alongside Israel. Refuse to be occupiers! Resist the government of bloodshed!”
זה השלט שהרמתי יחד עם חברי @AyOdeh
— Ofer Cassif עופר כסיף عوفر كسيف (@ofercass) October 13, 2025
לא באנו להפריע, אלא לדרוש צדק.
שלום אמיתי שיציל את שני עמי הארץ מכלייה לא יהיה אלא עם סיום הכיבוש והאפרטהייד והקמת מדינה פלסטינית לצד ישראל.
סרבו להיות כובשים!
התנגדו לממשלת הדמים! pic.twitter.com/9pAxmK4FR2
Tensions Over Palestinian Recognition
The Israeli government strongly opposes recognising Palestine. Both Odeh and Cassif have often clashed with the ruling coalition over their pro-Palestinian views. Monday’s protest added another flashpoint to the long-running debate inside the Knesset.