Israel’s President Isaac Herzog announced on Monday that U.S. President Donald Trump will receive the nation’s highest civilian award — the Israeli Presidential Medal of Honour — in recognition of his pivotal role in securing the release of hostages from Gaza and advancing peace efforts to end the ongoing war.
In an official statement from the Israeli presidency, Herzog praised Trump’s “tireless diplomatic engagement” and described his contribution as instrumental in fostering a new phase of hope and cooperation in the Middle East.
“Through his tireless efforts, President Trump has not only helped bring our loved ones home but has also laid the foundations for a new era in the Middle East built on security, cooperation, and genuine hope for a peaceful future,” Herzog said.
“It will be a great honour for me to present him with the Israeli Presidential Medal of Honour.”
According to the statement, the award will be formally presented “in the coming months,” following Trump’s upcoming visit to Israel. Herzog is expected to personally inform Trump of the decision during the visit, which coincides with the first phase of a new peace agreement between Israel and Hamas.
As part of the agreement — a central element of Trump’s proposed 20-point peace plan — both sides are set to begin a large-scale hostage-prisoner exchange on Monday. The plan seeks to bring an end to more than two years of war between Israel and Hamas, which began after the militant group’s unprecedented assault on Israeli territory on October 7, 2023.
During his brief stop in Israel, Trump is scheduled to meet with families of hostages, visit senior Israeli officials, and deliver an address before the Knesset, Israel’s parliament.
The Israeli Presidential Medal of Honour, established in 2012, is awarded to individuals who have made exceptional contributions to the State of Israel or to humanity. Previous recipients include global figures such as former U.S. President Barack Obama, German Chancellor Angela Merkel, and Holocaust survivor Elie Wiesel.
Herzog said Trump’s recognition reflects Israel’s appreciation for his “unwavering support” and his recent diplomatic interventions aimed at achieving lasting stability in the region.
The ceremony, expected later this year, will mark one of the rare instances in which a non-Israeli leader is honoured for mediating a peace initiative amid active conflict.
