The decision, seen by many as a symbolic show of gratitude, comes as Trump is credited with brokering the Gaza ceasefire deal and securing the release of hostages.
US President Donald Trump (Photo: ANI)
Israeli President Isaac Herzog announced that Trump will receive the country’s highest civilian award, the Israeli Presidential Medal of Honour, during his visit to Israel on Monday.
The decision, seen by many as a symbolic show of gratitude, comes as Trump is credited with brokering the Gaza ceasefire deal and securing the release of hostages.
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According to Herzog, the award recognises Trump’s role in securing the release of hostages from Gaza and helping bring an end to the ongoing war.
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“Through his tireless efforts, President Trump has not only helped bring our loved ones home but has also laid the foundations for a new era in the Middle East built on security, cooperation, and genuine hope for a peaceful future,” Herzog’s office said in a statement.
“It will be a great honour for me to present him with the Israeli Presidential Medal of Honour,” the statement added.
The medal is awarded to individuals who have made exceptional contributions to the State of Israel or to humanity.
Former US President Barack Obama was the first American leader to receive the honour in 2013 for his efforts in strengthening Israel’s security and bilateral ties.
As the stage is set for Israel and Hamas to release hostages after two years of war, US President Trump is on his way to the Middle East on Monday. Before departing, he sent out an important message, putting all speculation to rest by stating that the war in Gaza is “over.”
“The war is over—you understand that?” US President Donald Trump told reporters aboard Air Force One as he departed for Israel. Calling his visit to the Middle East “special,” Trump added, “Everyone’s very excited about this moment. This is a truly significant event.”
Trump is traveling to the Middle East with a high-level delegation, including Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, CIA Director John Ratcliffe, and top military commander Gen Dan Caine.
According to the schedule issued by the White House, US President Donald Trump will arrive in Tel Aviv early Monday morning local time for a brief but high-profile visit to Israel and Egypt, his first since announcing the Israel-Hamas ceasefire deal.
After his engagements in Israel, the President will travel to Egypt, which hosted the ceasefire negotiations, for a peace ceremony in Sharm el-Sheik on Monday afternoon. The event will serve as the formal signing of the truce, though specific terms of the agreement have not yet been disclosed.
The declaration by the Israeli leader to honour Trump comes in the aftermath of the announcement of the 2025 Nobel Peace Prize. The Nobel announcement has brought disappointment to Trump, who had been vocal about his chances of winning the prestigious award.
Trump had claimed to have ended seven wars and garnered support from notable figures like Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
However, the Norwegian Nobel Committee awarded the prize to Maria Corina Machado, a Venezuelan politician and democracy activist.
Trump’s bid for the Nobel Peace Prize was marked by controversy, with many questioning the legitimacy of his claims. Despite the skepticism, Trump remained confident, even suggesting that the Nobel Committee might find a reason to deny him the award.
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