WASHINGTON, USA — Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has officially nominated U.S. President Donald Trump for the Nobel Peace Prize, citing his efforts in brokering ceasefires and pursuing peace across volatile regions, particularly in the Middle East.
Speaking at a White House dinner on Monday, July 7, 2025, Netanyahu handed Trump a copy of the letter he sent to the Nobel Prize Committee.
“I want to express the appreciation and admiration not only of all Israelis, but of the Jewish people,” he said.
“He’s forging peace as we speak, in one country, in one region after the other.”
“So, I want to present to you, Mr. President, the letter I sent to the Nobel Prize Committee. It’s nominating you for the Peace Prize, which is well deserved. You should get it,” the Israeli leader declared.
Trump, visibly pleased, responded: “Coming from you in particular, this is very meaningful.”
This marks the second nomination of Trump for the Nobel Peace Prize in recent months.
In June, the Pakistani government recommended Trump for the honour, following his mediation in brokering a truce between India and Pakistan.
Islamabad praised him as “a genuine peacemaker” with “great strategic foresight”.
Trump’s supporters have long argued that his unorthodox diplomacy — which includes normalising relations between Israel and several Arab nations, and direct engagement with Iran and North Korea — merits international recognition.
The high-profile dinner and nomination come as Netanyahu and Trump navigate fragile negotiations for a Gaza ceasefire.
Despite weeks of heavy bombardment by Israeli forces and continued clashes, indirect talks between Israel and Hamas resumed in Doha on Sunday under U.S. mediation.
Last week, Trump announced that Israel had agreed to a proposed 60-day ceasefire with Hamas.
Hamas, for its part, submitted what it described as a “positive response” to a new hostage deal and truce framework, though critical details remain unresolved.
The nomination is not without controversy. The Gaza war, now in its 21st month, has claimed more than 57,000 Palestinian lives, according to health officials in the Hamas-run enclave.
Israel launched its offensive after the October 2023 Hamas-led attacks that killed 1,200 Israelis and resulted in hundreds of hostages.
The latest proposal would reportedly include the release of hostages in exchange for Palestinian detainees, phased withdrawal of Israeli troops, and a surge in humanitarian aid — all with U.S. guarantees.
At Monday’s meeting, Netanyahu also addressed postwar plans for Gaza, suggesting that the enclave should “be an open place” and that Palestinians “should have the freedom to choose.”
“We’re working with the United States, very closely, about finding countries that will seek to realise what they have always said — that they want to give the Palestinians a better future,” he said.
Trump added: “We’ve had great cooperation from many surrounding Israel… something good will happen.”
However, earlier remarks by Trump in February — suggesting the U.S. would “take over” Gaza and relocate its population — drew international condemnation. The United Nations described those comments as tantamount to ethnic cleansing.
This week’s White House meeting is also the first between the two leaders since the brief but intense Israel-Iran war earlier this year, during which the U.S. backed Israeli strikes on Iranian nuclear sites.
Trump said on Monday he hoped the U.S. would not have to launch further strikes on Iran.
Still, he praised Netanyahu’s resolve and emphasised the need for “peace through strength.”
