Miriam Adelson Attends Trump’s Knesset Speech Amid Ceasefire Talks

In a moment rich with symbolism and political resonance, Miriam Adelson the Israeli-American billionaire and longtime ally of Donald J. Trump was spotted in the visitors’ gallery of the Knesset on Monday as the former U.S. president delivered a pivotal speech amid ongoing ceasefire and hostage-release talks.

Adelson was joined by her son, Matan Adelson, and Likud MK Boaz Bismuth, a former editor-in-chief of the Adelson-backed Israel Hayom newspaper. The appearance came just three days after her 80th birthday a milestone not lost on those in the chamber or across Israeli social media, where some referred to the event as an unofficial “birthday gift” to one of Trump’s most influential supporters.

President Trump’s visit to Jerusalem marked a critical point in his latest diplomatic push for the release of hostages held by Hamas. The timing of his speech and Adelson’s highly public presence added another layer to the unfolding drama around the hostage crisis.

For months, Miriam Adelson has been credited behind the scenes with pressing Trump to remain involved in the effort, urging continued engagement with international mediators and regional stakeholders. Her role has been particularly noted by hostage advocacy groups who see her influence as pivotal in keeping the issue on the diplomatic front burner.

The Adelson family's relationship with Trump runs deep. Miriam and her late husband, Sheldon Adelson, were instrumental in shaping some of the most significant pro-Israel moves of Trump’s presidency: the recognition of Jerusalem as Israel’s capital, the embassy move in 2018, and U.S. recognition of Israeli sovereignty over the Golan Heights.

Boaz Bismuth, now chair of the Knesset Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee, shares longstanding ties with both the Adelson media empire and Likud’s political leadership. His presence alongside Miriam and Matan Adelson underscored the tightly woven fabric connecting Israeli media, politics, and global Jewish advocacy.

Meanwhile, Matan Adelson has increasingly stepped into the spotlight, not only through philanthropy but also in Israeli culture and sports most notably as the majority owner of the Hapoel Jerusalem Basketball Club.

As Trump’s speech reverberated through the Knesset halls, so too did the presence of a figure who has remained quietly yet profoundly influential in shaping U.S.-Israel relations. With the hostage crisis still unfolding and negotiations continuing, the alliance between Trump and the Adelsons may once again prove decisive.

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