Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has formally nominated former U.S. President Donald Trump for the Nobel Peace Prize, citing his contributions to peace and stability in various global regions.
Netanyahu, who is currently in Washington for high-level discussions with American officials, presented Trump with a copy of the nomination letter during a dinner at the White House on Monday.
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“I want to express the appreciation and admiration not only of all Israelis, but of the Jewish people,” Netanyahu said during the event, where he praised Trump’s role in advancing peace and security.
“He’s forging peace as we speak, in one country, in one region after the other,” the Israeli leader continued. “So, I want to present to you, Mr. President, the letter I sent to the Nobel Prize Committee. It’s nominating you for the Peace Prize, which is well deserved. You should get it.”
Trump, in response, expressed his gratitude for the gesture. “Coming from you in particular, this is very meaningful,” he said.
This marks the second time Trump has been nominated for the prestigious award. Just last month, the government of Pakistan submitted its own recommendation, citing Trump’s involvement in de-escalating tensions between India and Pakistan.
According to Pakistani officials, Trump demonstrated strategic foresight and diplomatic skill in helping facilitate a temporary truce between the South Asian rivals.
Netanyahu’s meeting with Trump takes place amid ongoing Israeli military operations in Gaza. Despite international efforts to reach a ceasefire agreement, hostilities continue.
Last week, Trump had announced that Israel had agreed to a temporary 60-day truce with Hamas. However, just days later, Hamas stated that it had given a “positive response” to a ceasefire and hostage-exchange proposal.
The Washington meeting is also the first between the two leaders since the brief but intense confrontation between Israel and Iran, during which the U.S. launched strikes on Iranian nuclear sites. Trump addressed the matter briefly, saying he “hoped” there would be no need for further American military action against Iran.
Turning to the issue of Gaza’s future, Netanyahu emphasized his support for improving conditions for Palestinians.
“The strip should be an open place,” he said. “We’re working with the United States, very closely, about finding countries that will seek to realise what they have always said — that they want to give the Palestinians a better future, and I think we are getting close to finding several countries. Again, the freedom to choose, Palestinians should have it.”
Trump echoed Netanyahu’s sentiments, saying: “We’ve had great cooperation from many surrounding Israel… something good will happen.”
However, previous remarks from Trump on Gaza have sparked controversy. During Netanyahu’s earlier visit to the White House in February, Trump had suggested that the U.S. might “take over” Gaza and relocate Palestinians to other countries—comments that drew sharp criticism from the international community.
The United Nations (UN) strongly condemned the proposal, labeling it an act of ethnic cleansing.
