Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Education Minister Yoav Kisch have informed U.S. President Donald Trump that Israel will award him the Israel Prize, the country’s highest civilian honor, in recognition of his unique and historic contribution to the Jewish People and the State of Israel.

The decision marks the first time the prestigious award has been granted to a non-Israeli, underscoring the significance Israeli leaders place on President Trump’s actions during his presidency. Among the key achievements cited are his recognition of Jerusalem as Israel’s eternal capital, the formal acknowledgment of Israeli sovereignty over the Golan Heights, and his administration’s firm stance against terrorism targeting Israel.

Video from a December 29, 2025, meeting at Mar-a-Lago shows Education Minister Yoav Kisch formally presenting the award on the recommendation of Prime Minister Netanyahu. During the exchange, President Trump expressed gratitude for the honor, while both leaders shared warm remarks reflecting a close personal and strategic relationship. The moment included lighthearted banter touching on fighter pilots and family connections, highlighting the mutual respect between the U.S. and Israeli leadership.

Israeli officials emphasized that President Trump’s policies reshaped the diplomatic landscape of the Middle East, strengthening Israel’s security and reaffirming historical truths long avoided by previous administrations. His decisions are widely credited with reinforcing Israel’s international standing and advancing a clearer alignment between the United States and its closest ally in the region.

By awarding the Israel Prize to President Trump, Israel is signaling that his legacy extends beyond traditional diplomacy and into lasting historical impact. The recognition serves as a public affirmation that his leadership and actions are viewed as transformative by the Jewish state and its people.