President Donald Trump will become the first non-Israeli to receive Israel’s top civilian honor, the “Israel Prize,” Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced during a press conference with Trump at Mar-a-Lago.
“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 declared. “It’s going to be awarded to President Donald J. Trump for his tremendous contributions to Israel and the Jewish people.”
NEW: Benjamin Netanyahu announces that President Donald Trump is being awarded with the “Israel Prize.”
It has never been awarded to a non-Israeli, according to Netanyahu. pic.twitter.com/VK7OfJsRju
— Kassy Akiva (@KassyAkiva) December 29, 2025
The newly created category for the prize — peace — is being established specifically in recognition of Trump’s efforts in securing regional stability and aiding in the release of Israeli hostages from Hamas captivity. Netanyahu added that he hopes Trump will accept the award in person during Israel’s Independence Day celebration in May.
“I have to say that this reflects the overwhelming sentiment of Israelis across the spectrum,” Netanyahu added, noting that Trump enjoys rare widespread appreciation in a nation often divided on domestic issues.
Trump first learned of the honor during the meeting when Israeli Education Minister Yoav Kisch called in to deliver the news. “That really is a great honor,” Trump said. “Really surprising and very much appreciated.”
Following their sixth meeting this year, Trump and Netanyahu discussed the future of Gaza and the regional roadmap for peace. Trump emphasized that Hamas must follow through on its agreement to disarm — or face serious consequences.
“It’ll be horrible for them — horrible, really, really bad for them,” Trump warned. “I don’t want that to happen, but they made an agreement that they were going to disarm.”
He added that the 59 countries that backed the Trump-brokered ceasefire would act decisively if Hamas reneges. “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. “This is a real peace in the Middle East.”
Trump also reiterated his strong stance on Iran. Upon welcoming Netanyahu to Mar-a-Lago, the president confirmed that he would support an Israeli military strike on Iran if the regime continues advancing its missile or nuclear programs.
“The missiles, yes. The nuclear, fast,” Trump said. “One would be yes, absolutely, the other was, we’ll do it immediately.”
Trump also took aim at Iran’s ruling regime, highlighting growing unrest in the country as its currency collapsed to a record low of 1.42 million rials to the dollar.
“Every time they have a rioter, or someone forms a group, little or big, they start shooting people. You know, they kill people,” Trump said. “They’re vicious, vicious people.”
“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.” – President Donald J. Trump ?? pic.twitter.com/mYIBfZzCV0
— The White House (@WhiteHouse) December 29, 2025
The recognition from Israel marks a historic first and adds another major milestone to Trump’s long-standing legacy of support for the Jewish state.
The post Netanyahu Crowns Trump As First Non-Israeli To Win His Country’s Most Prestigious Award appeared first on Real News Now.
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