A First in 80 Years: Donald Trump to Receive Prestigious Israel Prize for Peace

The Israeli government has announced a historic and highly unusual decision to award the prestigious Israel Prize to President Donald Trump, marking the first time in 80 years that the nation's highest honor will be bestowed upon a foreign citizen. The announcement came during a joint press conference at Mar-a-Lago, following a strategic meeting between Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and the American leader. Netanyahu revealed that the decision was made in recognition of Trump’s immense contributions to the Jewish people and the State of Israel, particularly through his efforts to foster regional stability.

The news was delivered to the President in a personal four minute phone call during his meeting with Netanyahu. The Prime Minister placed the call to Education Minister Yoav Kisch, who officially informed Trump of the decision to grant him the Israel Prize in the field of peace. Trump expressed deep gratitude for the gesture, stating that the award was surprising and very joyful. Netanyahu later told reporters that the award is a testament to the fact that "we have never had a friend like President Trump, not even close."

Under normal circumstances, the Israel Prize is strictly reserved for citizens of Israel who have resided in the country for at least three years prior to their nomination. However, the Ministry of Education is utilizing a specific legal loophole within the prize regulations to justify the award. Clause 13 of the regulations allows for an exception in cases of a "special contribution to the Jewish people," a category typically associated with Diaspora Jewry. Furthermore, the "Israel Prize for Peace" is not a standard category in the traditional cycle of awards, which are usually given for excellence in science, culture, or the arts.

This is not the first time Minister Kisch has adjusted the prize categories to suit specific national needs, having previously altered the cycle for musical awards. In this instance, the government is leaning on the "special contribution" clause to honor a non citizen who they believe has fundamentally changed Israel’s security landscape. During the press conference, Netanyahu emphasized that after eight decades of limiting the prize to locals, Trump’s unique impact on the State of Israel warranted this extraordinary departure from protocol. Trump has reportedly been invited to visit Israel to receive the award in person, an invitation he stated he would consider very positively as the new year begins.