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Netanyahu announces Trump as first American recipient of Israel Prize

Dec 29, 2025, 5:31 PM30
(Update: Dec 30, 2025, 11:14 AM)
country in Western Asia
president of the United States from 2017 to 2021
Prime Minister of Israel (1996–1999, 2009–2021, 2022–present)

Netanyahu announces Trump as first American recipient of Israel Prize

  • Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu revealed that President Trump will receive the prestigious Israel Prize, breaking decades of tradition.
  • The award is given to honor Trump's significant contributions to Israel and the Jewish people, especially in terms of security and diplomatic relations.
  • This recognition is seen as a reflection of the positive sentiment among Israelis towards Trump's presidency.
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In a significant move, Israel announced it would honor United States President Donald Trump with the Israel Prize, marking a departure from long-standing practices regarding the award's recipients. The announcement came after a meeting between Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Trump at Mar-a-Lago, Florida, where they discussed various political issues. Netanyahu emphasized that this decision was a reflection of the appreciation felt by Israelis towards Trump's support for their nation, particularly in terms of combating terrorism and furthering diplomatic relations. Additionally, he pointed out that no American president had previously done as much to benefit Israel as Trump. The decision to bestow this prestigious honor upon Trump has sparked both admiration and controversy. While many Israelis view the award as a well-deserved acknowledgment of Trump's efforts, others argue that it breaks with tradition, raising questions about the criteria for receiving such a national honor. The Israel Prize, traditionally reserved for Israelis and awarded annually on Independence Day, recognizes contributions in various fields such as humanities, social sciences, culture, arts, and sports. Netanyahu’s assertion signifies a notable shift in the award's historical context, indicating a trend where political bonds might influence cultural recognition. Netanyahu has previously described Trump as Israel's

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