US President Donald Trump claims to have ended as many as 8 wars this year, including the four-day India-Pakistan conflict, as per his own tally. But despite all his efforts and work, the Nobel Peace 2025 went to Venezuelan politician and pro-democracy activist María Corina Machado.
Even as he faced the Nobel setback, Trump seemingly refused to give up and was finally rewarded by FIFA. Earlier this month, the US President became the first-ever recipient of FIFA’s new peace prize at the 2026 World Cup draw. And now, adding to his peace awards is Israel’s top honour.
In a move that has is as shocking as it is striking, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has decided to confer Trump with the country’s own Peace Prize, bypassing an 80-year tradition! Trump is to receive Israel’s highest civilian award, which has been meant for only citizens of the host nation.
Israel’s peace prize for Trump: What did Netanyahu announce?
Israeli PM Netanyahu on Monday (December 29, 2025), following a bilateral meeting with Trump, announced that the Israeli government has decided to confer the Israel Prize for Peace on Trump, marking the first time in 80 years the award will be given to a non-Israeli citizen and the first time the Peace category has been awarded.
The announcement was made by Netanyahu during a joint press briefing with Trump after their bilateral talks at Trump’s Mar-a-Lago residence in Florida on Monday. Trump reacted by calling the honour unexpected and appreciated.
Since his claim of ‘brokering the peace’ during Operation Sindoor, the four-day military conflict between India and Pakistan in the aftermath of the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack, Trump’s Press Secretary Caroline Lewitt has been pressing for the Nobel for Trump.
Trump called Israel’s honour “really surprising and very much appreciated.” With this, he will become the first non-Israeli ever to receive the prestigious Israel Prize since its inception. In a remarkable double first, the newly created ‘Peace’ category of the award will also be debuted with his name.
Did Israel change the rules to award Trump?
The Israel Prize, traditionally reserved for Israeli citizens excelling in fields from science to the arts, underwent a pivotal rule change in July 2025 expressly to allow a foreign citizen to be honoured. “President Trump has broken so many conventions to surprise people, so we decided to break a convention or create a new one,” Netanyahu stated.
He framed the decision as a reflection of “the overwhelming sentiment of Israelis” who appreciate Trump’s “immense contribution” and support in “our common battle against the terrorists.” Education Minister Yoav Kisch joined the meeting by phone to make the formal notification.
Trump ‘NOT Concerned’ about Israel’s escapades
The award announcement followed what both leaders described as productive talks, though not without disagreement. Their discussions covered a future Gaza peace plan, Hamas disarmament, and the contentious issue of the occupied West Bank. “I wouldn’t say we agree on the West Bank 100%,” Trump conceded, “but we will come to a conclusion.”
Despite these differences, Trump offered unreserved support for Israel’s actions, stating, “I’m not concerned about anything that Israel is doing. They’ve lived up to the plan, 100%.” Netanyahu praised their collaborative relationship, saying, “We work it out, and most of the time, we see eye to eye.”
When will Trump receive the Israel peace prize?
While an exact date is to be set, the stage is now prepared for a major diplomatic event. Netanyahu confirmed Trump will receive the prize in 2026, with CNN reporting he is expected to attend Israel’s Independence Day celebrations for the ceremony.
Although Trump indicated he would consider attending, the planning signals a significant moment on the international calendar, poised to cement this unique chapter in US-Israeli relations and honour a president whose legacy in the region continues to provoke strong reactions worldwide.