Israel will present its highest civilian award, the Israel Prize, to former US President Donald Trump in 2026, breaking tradition for a non-citizen.
WASHINGTON: Israel will award its highest civilian honour to former US President Donald Trump in 2026.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced the decision on Monday, stating the country would break with decades of tradition to recognise a non-citizen.
The move followed a cordial meeting between Netanyahu and Trump in Florida.
Netanyahu said the award reflected “overwhelming sentiment” in Israel in appreciation of Trump’s support.
“President Trump has broken so many conventions to the surprise of people, and then they figure out, ‘oh, well — maybe, you know, he was right after all,'” Netanyahu told reporters.
“So we decided to break a convention too or create a new one, and that is to award the Israel Prize.”
The Israeli leader hailed Trump as the country’s “greatest friend ever” last October.
That praise followed Hamas freeing the last 20 surviving hostages from its October 2023 attacks under a Gaza peace deal brokered by Trump’s team.
“I have to say that this reflects the overwhelming sentiment of Israelis across the spectrum,” Netanyahu said of the award.
“They appreciate what you’ve done to help Israel and to help our common battle against the terrorists and those who would destroy our civilization.”
The Israel Prize is normally reserved for Israeli citizens or residents.
A lone loophole exists for a “special contribution to the Jewish people.”
The only other non-Israeli recipient under this category was Indian conductor Zubin Mehta in 1991.
Trump said the award was “really surprising and very much appreciated.”
He hinted he might travel to Israel for the ceremony, traditionally held on the eve of Independence Day.
The accolade adds to Trump’s self-styled image as a global peacemaker.
He regularly claims to have “stopped eight wars” in speeches and interviews.
Trump has long insisted the Nobel Peace Prize does not faze him while voicing frustration at being overlooked.
This award follows Trump recently being granted the FIFA Peace Prize.
