Trump to Receive Israel’s Highest Civilian Honor, Breaking Decades of Tradition

President Donald Trump will be awarded Israel’s highest civilian honor, the Israel Prize, in 2026, a historic break from tradition as the award is almost exclusively reserved for Israeli citizens.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced the decision after a meeting with Trump in Florida, stating it reflects the “overwhelming sentiment” of Israelis who appreciate Trump’s support, particularly his role in brokering a Gaza peace deal that secured the release of the last hostages from the 2023 Hamas attacks.
Netanyahu hailed Trump as Israel’s “greatest friend ever,” and the only precedent for awarding a non-Israeli was Indian conductor Zubin Mehta in 1991.

Trump, who expressed delight at the honor, has recently bolstered his diplomatic credentials with awards like the FIFA Peace Prize, reinforcing his self-portrayal as a global peacemaker despite ongoing frustration at not winning a Nobel Peace Prize.