In a historic and unexpected move, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has declared his intention to award former US President Donald Trump the Israel Prize, the nation's highest cultural honour. This will make Trump the first non-Israeli recipient in the award's 80-year history.
A Surprise Announcement at Mar-a-Lago
The announcement came during a press conference at Trump's Mar-a-Lago estate in Florida, following lengthy discussions between the two leaders on the future of Gaza and broader Middle Eastern affairs. The meeting was notably cordial, with both figures lavishing praise on each other's leadership and determination.
'We decided to break a convention too, or create a new one,' Netanyahu stated. 'That is to award the Israel Prize, which in almost our 80 years we've never awarded to a non-Israeli, and we're going to award it this year to President Trump.'
Honour Amidst Stalled Peace Efforts
The prestigious award, typically given for contributions to humanities, sciences, arts, and Jewish culture, arrives at a delicate juncture. Trump's Gaza ceasefire plan has stalled, with the fragile agreement under threat as both Hamas and Israel accuse the other of violations.
Humanitarian and logistical challenges persist as parties attempt to move into the plan's second phase, which demands Hamas disarm and an unspecified international force deploy to Gaza. The plan, approved by the UN, envisions a technocratic Palestinian government and reconstruction overseen by a 'Board of Peace' chaired by Trump.
Solidarity on Iran and Mutual Defence
The leaders also presented a united front against Iran. Trump pledged support for Israeli strikes should Iran continue developing nuclear weapons or ballistic missiles, stating, 'if they are, we have to knock them down.' Netanyahu echoed these security concerns during their talks.
Trump also defended Netanyahu's leadership amidst the Israeli PM's ongoing corruption trial, describing him as a 'wartime' leader facing undue scrutiny. The award, Netanyahu claimed, 'reflects the overwhelming sentiment of Israelis across the spectrum' who appreciate Trump's support against 'those who would destroy our civilization.'
The Israel Prize is traditionally awarded on Israel's Independence Day, 21 April, and Netanyahu expressed hope Trump would receive it in person. While Indian conductor Zubin Mehta received a special prize in 1991, Trump's award represents the first full distinction granted to a non-Israeli.
