The Ben Shapiro Show, Ep. 2296 - "TRIUMPH: Trump Frees Hostages, ELECTRIFIES Knesset"

Date: October 13, 2025
Host: Ben Shapiro, The Daily Wire
Key Guests/Speakers: Jared Kushner, Ivanka Trump, Donald J. Trump, Amir Ohana (Speaker of the Knesset), Benjamin Netanyahu (Israeli PM), Yair Lapid (Opposition Leader), Vice President of the United States

Episode Overview

This highly historic episode, broadcast from Israel, covers one of the most significant moments in recent Middle Eastern history: the negotiated ceasefire between Israel and Hamas, which led to the release of 20 live hostages and the return of 28 deceased hostages from Gaza. Ben Shapiro is on the ground in Israel, providing immediate reactions to President Donald J. Trump's high-profile visit, his electrifying speech at the Knesset (Israeli parliament), the widespread jubilation across Israel, and the regional implications of these developments. The episode is suffused with emotion, gratitude, and a sense of turning a major corner in Israel's modern history.

Major Discussion Points & Key Insights

1. Ceasefire and Hostage Release: A Watershed Moment

• The Hostage Ordeal:
  • For two years since October 7, 2023, the fate of Israeli hostages held by Hamas has haunted Israel. Family-led protests in places like “Hostage Square” in Tel Aviv became a national focal point for grief and pressure.
  • Ben underscores the extreme measures Israel was willing to take, contrasting it with typical global norms: “Israel has had to move slowly and meticulously and risk the hatred of the world in order for those hostages to get out.” (01:55)
• Negotiation and Global Diplomacy:
  • Trump’s intervention is credited with mustering unprecedented global and Arab world pressure on Hamas, making the ceasefire and exchange possible.
  • Trump administration figures including Jared Kushner, Steve Witkoff, and Ivanka Trump were all present on-site in Israel, meeting families and officials.

2. Reactions in Israel: Unbridled Joy and Political Unity

• National and Diaspora Elation:
  • “The unbridled joy felt by all Israelis at the return of the hostages, it's overwhelming. And by the way, it's not just Israelis—it is Jews everywhere. And I think a lot of good-hearted people everywhere.” (04:53)
  • Personal stories: Shapiro describes daily synagogue prayers for the hostages and the symbolism of yellow ribbons worn by supporters worldwide.
• Historic Standing Ovations:
  • Trump’s speech at the Knesset is hailed as a unique event, with reportedly "50 standing ovations" and dynamic emotional energy throughout the day.

3. Notable Moments and Key Quotes

• Jared Kushner’s Tribute at Hostage Square:

  • “Working with President Trump on this... his commitment to seeing peace, to seeing the hostages return home, to seeing Israel secure and safe, and to seeing the entire Middle East stable and thriving, is unmatched.” (05:40)

• Ivanka Trump’s Remarks:

  • “The return of each hostage is not only a moment of homecoming and relief. It's a triumph of faith, of courage, and of our shared humanity.” (08:22)

• President Trump’s Candid Reflection on His Legacy:

  • “I really don't [think I'm going to get into heaven]... but I’ve made life a lot better for a lot of people.” (17:12)

• Speaker Amir Ohana’s Characterization of Trump:

  • “Mr. President... you stand before the people of Israel not as another American president, but as a giant of Jewish history... two and a half millennia into the mists of time to find a parallel. Cyrus the Great... you... are a colossus who will be enshrined in the pantheon of history.” (22:56)

• Benjamin Netanyahu’s Historic Declaration:

  • “Donald Trump is the greatest friend that the State of Israel has ever had in the White House.” (29:28)

• Yair Lapid—Opposition Leader’s Rare Unity:

  • “I am the leader of the opposition. And I tell you then, you were deceived. Propaganda experts funded by terror money manipulated you... The truth is, there was no genocide, no intentional starvation.” (31:50)

4. Details of Trump’s Knesset Speech

• Announcing the Hostage Return:

  • “Hostages are back after two harrowing years in darkness and captivity. 20 courageous hostages are returning to the glorious embrace of their families.” (33:55)

• Invocation of Faith and Blessing:

  • President Trump and Knesset members engage in religious blessings, highlighting the spiritual as well as political dimensions of the day.
  • “A day to give our deepest thanks to the Almighty God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob.” (35:35)

• Uproar in Knesset:

  • Two Arab Knesset members disrupt proceedings, accusing Israel of genocide, and are quickly escorted out, prompting Trump’s off-the-cuff:
    “This Knesset member. Please expel this Knesset member, Knesset member Kasif, out of the hall. Please expel him immediately.” (39:19)
    Trump then quips, “That was very efficient.” (40:00)

• Central Message—Peace and a Golden Age:

  • “Virtually the entire region has endorsed the plan that Gaza will be immediately demilitarized, that Hamas will be disarmed, and Israel's security will no longer be threatened in any way, shape, or form… Generations from now, this will be remembered as the moment that everything began to change... It will be the golden age of Israel and the golden age of the Middle East.” (41:50, 42:53)

• Humorous and Moving Finale:

  • Trump publicly calls for a presidential pardon for Netanyahu:
    “Hey, I have an idea, Mr. President, why don't you give him a pardon? Give him a pardon.” (44:50)

• Triumphant Closing:
  “You will be bigger, better, stronger, and more loving than ever before.” (46:44)

5. The Road Ahead: Geopolitics and Reconstruction

• What Comes Next:
  • Trump and Netanyahu meet with world leaders in Egypt to discuss further stabilization of Gaza.
  • Trump: "It's got the first chance it's had in centuries of being peaceful... If it normalizes, that would be fantastic." (48:26)
• On the U.S. Role:
  • No U.S. boots on the ground are planned in either Israel or Gaza; regional and Muslim-majority partners will help secure peace. (49:14)

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Ben Shapiro:

  • “The unbridled joy felt by all Israelis at the return of the hostages, it's overwhelming.” (04:53)
  • “The overwhelming support in Israel for President Trump, the overwhelming love for President Trump. It truly is extraordinary.” (30:03)

• Jared Kushner:

  • “His commitment to seeing peace, to seeing the hostages return home, to seeing Israel secure...” (05:40)

• Ivanka Trump:

  • “The return of each hostage is not only a moment of homecoming and relief. It's a triumph of faith, of courage, and of our shared humanity.” (08:22)

• Donald J. Trump:

  • “I'm not sure, Abe, I'm going to be able to make heaven, but I've made life a lot better for a lot of people.” (17:14)
  • “Hostages are back after two harrowing years in darkness and captivity. 20 courageous hostages are returning to the glorious embrace of their families...” (33:55)
  • “You will be bigger, better, stronger, and more loving than ever before.” (46:44)

• Speaker Amir Ohana:

  • “You... are a colossus who will be enshrined in the pantheon of history thousands of years from now.” (22:56)

• Benjamin Netanyahu:

  • “Donald Trump is the greatest friend that the State of Israel has ever had in the White House.” (29:28)

• Yair Lapid:

  • “You were deceived... The truth is, there was no genocide, no intentional starvation.” (31:50)

Key Segment Timestamps

• 00:55 – 04:47: Ben Shapiro lays out the hostage context and the monumental Israeli response.
• 05:16 – 08:22: Speeches from Jared Kushner and Ivanka Trump at Hostage Square.
• 17:06 – 17:26: Trump’s introspective comments onboard Air Force One.
• 22:56 – 23:36: Speaker Amir Ohana’s acclaim for Trump.
• 29:28 – 31:18: Netanyahu praises Trump and details military operations.
• 31:50 – 32:33: Yair Lapid addresses the world, dispelling anti-Israel propaganda.
• 33:55 – 36:02: Trump’s triumphant Knesset speech and blessings.
• 39:19 – 40:03: Knesset disruption and Trump’s direct intervention.
• 41:50 – 42:53: Trump outlines the peace and demilitarization plan.
• 44:50 – 45:41: Trump humorously calls for Netanyahu’s pardon.
• 46:36 – 46:51: Triumphant close—“Bigger, better, stronger, and more loving than ever before.”

Tone and Style

• Ben Shapiro: Intense, brisk, analytical but celebratory. Often emotionally moved by the day’s magnitude.
• Jubilant and Grateful: The entire Israeli political spectrum and public are portrayed as united in gratitude toward Trump and the U.S.
• Reflective and Triumphant: Trump, usually brash, adopts an unusually introspective, grandiose, and even religious tone.

Conclusion

This episode documents a profoundly consequential and emotional moment for Israel and its allies, featuring the liberation of all live hostages from Hamas, a ceasefire, and a vision for regional stability and prosperity. President Trump is depicted as the architect of this triumph, praised across Israel's political spectrum and accorded near-legendary status. The episode captures not just the events, but the emotional resonance, political symbolism, and cautious hope that defines this historic turning point for Israel and the wider Middle East.

For newcomers or those unable to listen:
This summary provides a rich, detailed account of the episode's narrative and tone, with key moments and statements clearly highlighted, offering both the substance and spirit of one of the most momentous days in modern Israeli history.