President Donald Trump spoke at a joint press conference with Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu at the Israel Museum in Jerusalem Tuesday afternoon, shortly after having spoken at the Yad Vashem Holocaust museum.
In his address at the Israel Museum, President Trump described his visit to the Israeli capital as “a privilege”, referencing Jerusalem’s Jewish history going back to the reign of King David.
"It is a privilege to stand in this national museum in the ancient city of Jerusalem, to address the Israeli people and all people in the Middle East who yearn for security, prosperity, and peace.
"Jerusalem is a sacred city. Its beauty, splendor, and heritage are like no other place on earth. What a heritage, what a heritage. The ties of the Jewish people to this holy land are ancient and eternal. They date back thousands of years, including the reign of King David, whose star now flies proudly on Israel's white and blue flag."
The President also described his visit on Monday to the Western Wall – the first such visit by a sitting US President – saying he was “humbled” to pray there.
"Yesterday I visited the Western Wall and marveled at the monument to God's presence and man's perseverance. I was humbled to place my hand on the wall and to pray in that holy space for wisdom from God."
"I also prayed at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, the site revered by Christians around the world. I laid a wreath at Yad Vashem, honoring, remembering, and mourning the Six Million Jews who were murdered in the Holocaust. I pledged right then and there what I pledge again today, the words 'Never Again'."
"Israel is a testament to the unbreakable spirit of the Jewish people. From all parts of this country, one message resounds. And that is the message of hope. Down through the ages, the Jewish people have suffered persecution, oppression, and even those who have sought their destruction. But through it all they have endured, and in fact, they have survived."
"I stand in awe of the accomplishments of the Jewish people, and I make this promise to you: my administration will always stand with Israel."
Turning to foreign policy, President Trump pledged that his administration would prevent the Iranian regime from developing nuclear weapons.
"The United States is firmly committed to keep Iran from developing a nuclear weapon and halting their support of terrorists and militias. We are telling you right now that Iran will not have nuclear weapons."
