In a stunning break from decades of tradition, Israel has decided to award President Donald Trump its highest civilian honor, the Israel Prize, for his role in brokering a Gaza peace deal. The agreement led to the release of the final 20 surviving hostages from the October 7, 2023, Hamas attacks. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced the honor, recognizing Trump’s “special contribution to the Jewish people” in a category rarely invoked, contrasting Israel’s decisive gratitude with the Nobel Committee’s oversight of the president’s real-world peace achievements.
Story Highlights
- Netanyahu announces Israel Prize for Trump in rare “special contribution to the Jewish people” category, last used in 1991.
- Award recognizes Trump’s role in Gaza deal freeing final 20 hostages from October 7, 2023, Hamas attacks.
- Announcement follows Florida meeting, contrasting Nobel exclusion with Israel’s decisive gratitude.
- Trump expresses surprise and appreciation, hints at attending 2026 ceremony on Israel’s Independence Day eve.
Netanyahu Announces Historic Honor
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced on December 29, 2025, that President Donald Trump will receive the Israel Prize in 2026. This highest civilian honor recognizes Trump’s special contribution to the Jewish people through his brokering of a Gaza peace deal. That agreement freed the last 20 surviving hostages taken during the October 7, 2023, Hamas attacks that killed over 1,200 Israelis. Netanyahu made the statement after meeting Trump in Florida.
Trump just received his reward for being Israel‘s favourite son!
Netanyahu has announced he's awarding the Israel Prize to Trump "for his tremendous contributions to Israel and the Jewish people." https://t.co/cxjMarvCQL pic.twitter.com/gYlCKqQgR1
— Truth_teller 🇷🇺 (@Truthtellerftm) December 30, 2025
Breaking Decades of Tradition
The Israel Prize, established in 1953, typically goes to Israeli citizens or residents for achievements in arts, sciences, or lifetime contributions. Netanyahu invoked the rare exception for special contributions to the Jewish people, previously awarded only to non-Israeli conductor Zubin Mehta in 1991. This decision reflects overwhelming Israeli sentiment praising Trump as their greatest friend ever for his anti-terrorism support. The move underscores strong U.S.-Israel alliance against threats like Hamas.
Trump’s Real-World Peace Legacy
Netanyahu stated, “President Trump has broken so many conventions… So we decided to break a convention too… award the Israel Prize.” He tied the honor to Trump’s unconventional aid in the battle against terrorists seeking to destroy civilization. Trump responded, “Really surprising and very much appreciated,” and indicated openness to attending the ceremony. This validation highlights Trump’s Middle East successes, including prior Abraham Accords, despite Nobel snubs.
Trump’s Gaza deal in October 2025 prompted Netanyahu’s public praise and set the stage for this reciprocal gesture. Israeli public support for Trump remains strong amid security cooperation.
Strengthening U.S.-Israel Ties
The award bolsters rapport between Trump and Netanyahu, signaling policy continuity on shared security priorities. Short-term, it reinforces bilateral anti-terror efforts; long-term, it may set precedent for non-citizen honors and influence future U.S.-Israel relations. Affected communities include Israelis and U.S. Jewish groups valuing the alliance. Politically, it elevates Trump’s legacy, aiding pro-Israel advocacy in America while countering foes like Hamas.
Eligibility questions surfaced in Israeli media, but the nomination proceeds under the special category. This honor affirms pragmatic diplomacy over elitist awards, aligning with conservative values of results-driven leadership and strong alliances.
Watch the report: Trump to receive the Israel Prize for Peace, Netanyahu announces
Sources:
- Israel hands Trump another international award, after Nobel snub (Al-Monitor)
- Netanyahu hands Trump Israel’s highest civilian honor, after Nobel … (Arab News)
- Trump’s Israel Prize nomination raises eligibility question (Jerusalem Post)
- Trump to receive Israel Prize in break from tradition, Netanyahu says
