Trump to receive Israel’s highest civilian award after Nobel snub

Israel will confer its highest civilian award on US President Donald Trump in 2026 in a rare departure from long-standing tradition of the honour reserved for only Israeli citizens.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced the decision after meeting Trump in Florida, where the Israeli leader said that the move reflects strong public appreciation in Israel for the US president’s backing of the country.

To make the award possible, Israel has opted to set aside its usual practice of conferring the honour only on its own citizens or residents.

Explaining the decision, Netanyahu said Israel was responding to Trump’s unconventional leadership style by taking an unprecedented step of its own. “So we decided to break a convention too or create a new one, and that is to award the Israel Prize.”

The Israel Prize is typically limited to Israelis, with a narrow exception for individuals recognized for a “special contribution to the Jewish people.” Only one other non-Israeli — renowned Indian conductor Zubin Mehta — has received the award under this category, in 1991.

Trump welcomed the announcement with visible enthusiasm, describing the recognition as unexpected and deeply appreciated. He also suggested he may travel to Israel to attend the ceremony, which is traditionally held on the eve of the country’s Independence Day.

The honor adds to Trump’s growing list of international accolades, reinforcing his image as a key figure on the global stage and a self-described broker of peace.