Trump: Netanyahu praise “tremendous contributions” and unveils Israel’s highest civilian award

Trump: US President Donald Trump will receive Israel’s highest civilian honor, the Israel Prize, according to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who praised Trump’s “tremendous contributions to Israel and the Jewish people.”

At a joint press conference with Trump at Mar-a-Lago in Florida, Netanyahu said, “We decided to break a convention.” “That is to give the Israel Prize, which we have never given to a non-Israeli in nearly eight decades.”

Netanyahu invited Trump to the event and announced that the prize will be publicly bestowed on Israel’s Independence Day.

He said, “President Donald J. Trump will receive it this year for his outstanding contributions to Israel and the Jewish people.” “It seems like such a fitting thing to me.”

“Obviously, Mr. President, it would be an honor for us if you could come to Israel on our Independence Day. However, I must admit that this captures the mood of Israelis of all stripes. They appreciate the contributions you have made to support Israel and our shared fight against terrorism and those who want to undermine our culture. Thus, once again, that is a gesture of gratitude and admiration,” the Israeli prime minister said.

Trump congratulated Netanyahu for what he termed a close personal acquaintance and referred to the award as “a great honor.”

Trump said, “That truly is a great honor.”

Netanyahu commended Trump’s strategy for US-Israel ties, claiming that tight collaboration has produced noticeable regional results.

Referring to previous US actions, Netanyahu said, “President Trump has done the exact opposite.” “We collaborate, which has allowed him to accomplish amazing things in the Middle East.”

Trump referred to Netanyahu as a “wartime prime minister” and attributed Israel’s survival in previous battles to his leadership.

“You wouldn’t have Israel anymore if you had eight out of ten prime ministers in his position right now,” Trump said.

He went on to say that more extensive regional accords had been made possible by Netanyahu’s leadership.

“We were able to get peace in the Middle East because of that victory,” Trump said.

Netanyahu said that the prize was a reflection of Israeli popular opinion.

He said that this mirrored the feeling of Israelis from all walks of life. “They are grateful for your assistance to Israel.”

According to Trump, the two leaders’ relationship has been mutually supportive.

He said, “You’ve been a great friend, and I’ve been a great friend to you and to Israel.”

Netanyahu again emphasized Trump’s readiness to defy diplomatic norms.

Netanyahu said, “People said maybe he was right after all.”

The declaration was made in the midst of ongoing talks about Iran, Gaza, and regional security, with both leaders expressing alignment on many occasions.

According to Trump, “we pretty much agree on most of the things.”

Israeli nationals are often given the Israel Prize for their lifetime accomplishments and contributions to the country. It is an extraordinary break from tradition to give it to a foreign leader.

Significant changes in policy toward Israel have occurred during Trump’s administration, notably the acknowledgement of Jerusalem as Israel’s capital and strong support at times of increased hostilities.