Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu formally announced on December 30, 2025, during a joint appearance at Mar-a-Lago, that the Israeli government would confer the newly established Israel Prize for Peace upon US President Donald Trump. This marks the first activation of the Peace category within Israel's prestigious civilian honors system and represents an unprecedented extension of the award to a non-Israeli citizen in its eight-decade history, following regulatory amendments approved in July 2025.
Netanyahu emphasized that the decision reflects widespread gratitude across Israeli society for Trump's sustained contributions to national security, regional stability, and the broader interests of the Jewish people. He noted Trump's role in confronting shared terrorist threats and advancing diplomatic breakthroughs, framing the honor as a deliberate break from tradition to acknowledge exceptional international support.
During the announcement, Israeli Education Minister Yoav Kisch participated remotely to deliver the official notification, while Trump expressed genuine surprise and deep appreciation for the gesture. The president indicated openness to traveling to Israel for the formal presentation, potentially during the nation's Independence Day celebrations in 2026.
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The bilateral discussions also covered progression toward the second phase of the Gaza peace initiative, with particular focus on Hamas disarmament obligations and longstanding issues related to the occupied West Bank. Trump acknowledged minor divergences on West Bank policy but expressed confidence in achieving consensus, repeatedly affirming Israel's complete compliance with existing agreements.
Netanyahu described the meeting as exceptionally productive, praising the collaborative dynamic that has yielded significant Middle East advancements. He highlighted the leaders' ability to navigate occasional differences constructively, attributing regional progress to their aligned vision and direct engagement.
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