‘Netanyahu one of the greatest wartime presidents’ – Donald Trump

'Whether we like it or not, this has been one of the greatest wartime presidents.'

US President Donald Trump spoke highly of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu during his speech in the Knesset on Monday.

He even called on Israel's President Isaac Herzog to pardon the PM on corruption charges.

"Cigars and some champagne — who the hell cares?" said Trump in reference to the fraud, bribery and breach of trust charges, which Netanyahu denies.

Ofer Neiman of Israelis Against Apartheid said aside from those charges, Netanyahu ought to be facing trial internationally for genocide.

"Netanyahu is a genocider. That's my bottom line from all of this."

While on board Air Force One, Trump declared a "historic day" following the signing of a peace deal at a global summit in Egypt.

Speaking to reporters, the US president said the agreement fulfilled the "prayers of millions" and marked a major step toward lasting peace and "rebuilding Gaza".

Neiman said the agreement was not a peace deal.

"It's certainly not a peace deal. Israel is still occupying parts of Gaza. Israel is holding and torturing Palestinian detainees, some of them minors."

At best, says Neiman, it is perhaps a ceasefire.

"It is a new phase. Perhaps we're not going to see these mass Israeli bombings, but Israel is still hellbent on trying to ethnically cleanse Gaza."

On Monday, 20 living Israeli hostages were released by Hamas as part of the ceasefire agreement.

As far as sentiment among Israeli citizens, Neiman said for "right-wing" Israelis, there is disappointment.

"Their vision has been driving out the Palestinians and resettling Gaza."

Mainstream Israeli media and the Israeli government, he said, were attempting to frame the deal and the release of the hostages as an "achievement for Israel".

"But lots of Israelis are not buying it."

To listen to Ofer Neiman in conversation with CapeTalk's Lester Kiewit, use the audio player below.