Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced that President Donald Trump will receive the Israel Prize, the country's highest civilian honor, making him the first non-Israeli recipient. The award recognizes Trump's contributions to Israel and the Jewish people, particularly in securing the release of hostages from Hamas. The announcement came during a meeting at Trump's Mar-a-Lago estate on December 29, 2025.
On December 29, 2025, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu met with President Donald Trump at the Mar-a-Lago estate in Palm Beach, Florida, marking their sixth encounter this year. During a press conference, Netanyahu revealed that Trump would be awarded the Israel Prize in a newly established peace category. "In almost our 80 years, we’ve never awarded it to a non-Israeli, and we’re going to award it this year to President Trump," Netanyahu said. "It’s going to be awarded to President Donald J. Trump for his tremendous contributions to Israel and the Jewish people."
Netanyahu expressed hope that Trump would accept the prize during Israel's Independence Day in May. He noted that the honor reflects the "overwhelming sentiment of Israelis across the spectrum," who are grateful for Trump's role in the Trump-brokered 20-point Gaza plan. This ceasefire, approved by the U.N. Security Council and initiated in October 2025, led to the release of all living hostages from the 251 taken in the October 7, 2023, Hamas attack that killed around 1,200 people. All deceased hostages' bodies have been returned except for that of Ran Gvili, whose parents met with Netanyahu and U.S. officials including Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Jared Kushner, and Steve Witkoff. The family described the discussions as "very positive," with advisors stressing efforts to recover Gvili's remains. Trump remarked, "We have one wonderful young man whose parents are right here now inside... We’re doing everything we can to get his body back."
Trump learned of the award via a call from Israeli Education Minister Yoav Kisch. "That really is a great honor," Trump responded, calling it "really surprising and very much appreciated."
The meeting also addressed Gaza's future, with Trump emphasizing Hamas's disarmament commitment. "Based on the fact that Hamas pledged, they swore that they were going to disarm. Now, if they’re not going to disarm, those same countries will wipe out Hamas," he said, referring to 59 nations backing the ceasefire.
Discussions extended to Iran, where Trump voiced support for Israeli strikes on its missile and nuclear programs. "The missiles, yes. The nuclear, fast," he stated. He highlighted Iranian unrest, including protests in Tehran on December 28 and 29 following the currency's plunge to 1.42 million rials per dollar.
The ceasefire's second phase remains challenging, involving Gaza's demilitarization, reconstruction under the Board of Peace chaired by Trump, and an International Stabilization Force. Netanyahu has opposed some elements, amid accusations of slowing progress. Arab nations push for Hamas disarmament and Israeli withdrawal before advancing, while the UAE is reportedly funding temporary housing in Gaza.
