NEW: Trump Delivers First Message to Freed Hostages

President Donald Trump timed his touchdown in Tel Aviv on Monday to coincide with the handover of 20 living hostages who remained in captivity with Hamas for more than two years, ending an era that Israel celebrated with his speech before the country’s politicians.

Before addressing the Knesset, Trump wrote a note to the hostages, all men between the ages of 20 and 50. His statement came after they were provided relief kits as the men crossed into Israel-controlled territory at approximately 3:30 a.m., each with a laptop, mobile phone, and a tablet.

Trump’s handwritten note to the hostages hailed a “new beginning” in the strained relationship between Israel and the Palestinian people.

“This is my great honor — a great and beautiful day. A new beginning,” he wrote in a guest book.

A copy of his speech, provided to Fox News, indicates that Trump plans to declare “the historic dawn of a new Middle East” amid a deal that will see Israel release 2,000 imprisoned Palestinians.

“Generations from now, this will be remembered as the moment that everything began to change,” reads a copy of the address.

Trump will also insist that “Israel has won all that can be won by force of arms,” and “it is time to translate these victories against terrorists on the battlefield into the ultimate prize of peace and prosperity.”

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Following his speech, the president will embark for Egypt to thank the country’s president, Abdel Fattah el-Sissi, and leaders from more than 20 nations in partnering to end the conflict.

Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu prefaced Trump’s speech by profusely praising his U.S. counterpart, declaring “Donald Trump is the greatest friend Israel has ever had in the White House.”

“No American president has ever done more for Israel. … it ain’t even close,” he said Monday morning.

Knesset Speaker Amir Ohana celebrated Trump as a “colossus” and a “giant of Jewish history” who is deserving of the Nobel Peace Prize.

“You, President Donald J. Trump, are a colossus who will be enshrined in the pantheon of history thousands of years from now,” Knesset Speaker Amir Ohana said to applause.

“There was not a single person on this planet who did more than you to advance peace. No one even came close. Your election to the presidency marks the turning point, not only for the United States, but for the entire world,” he said.

“You became one of the most consequential presidents in history. You saved countless lives and wouldn’t be lost without your leadership.”

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The moment was briefly marred when far-left members of the legislature stormed the gathering to protest Trump’s speech. Ohana had them quickly removed from the room.

“That was very efficient,” Trump joked to laughter.