Israel to Award Trump Israel Prize in Historic First

Education Minister Yoav Kisch informed US President Donald Trump over the phone on Monday that Israel will  award him the Israel Prize for Special Contribution to the Jewish People, marking the first time Israel’s highest cultural honor will be given to a non-Israeli. The call took place during Trump’s meeting in Florida with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and the Israeli delegation.

“It is my great and distinct honor to inform you that the Israel Prize committee… has reached a historical decision to award you the Israel Prize, in the category ‘special contribution to the Jewish people,’” Kisch told Trump, as Netanyahu held a phone toward the US president at the table.

The Israel Prize is awarded annually on Israel’s Independence Day and has, since its establishment in 1953, recognized Israelis for exceptional achievement and contribution. Kisch said the decision breaks precedent, noting that the category was created to recognize individuals whose actions have left an exceptional and enduring impact on the Jewish people in Israel and around the world. The prize committee operates under the Education Ministry.

Responding to Kisch, Trump said it was a “great honor, really amazing being the first one outside of Israel, it’s really something.” Kisch invited Trump to accept the award in person in Jerusalem on Israel’s Independence Day in April. Trump did not formally accept the invitation, but told Kisch, “I look forward to meeting you.”

Kisch thanked Trump for what he called the president’s “significant and consistent efforts on behalf of the Jewish people in the State of Israel.” He cited among Trump’s contributions his fight against antisemitism, efforts to return the hostages from Gaza, recognition of Israeli sovereignty in the Golan Heights, the relocation of the US Embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem, and unwavering support for Israel’s right to defend itself during a period in which Israel confronted multiple active fronts. Netanyahu interjected during the exchange that Kisch “forgot the B-2s,” a reference to US strikes on Iranian nuclear sites during the 12-day war in June using B-2 stealth bombers. Joking about his popularity among Israelis, Trump said, “I promise I’m not going to run against you, Bibi,” to which Netanyahu replied, “You never know,” prompting laughter at the table. 

Speaking to reporters after concluding his meeting with Netanyahu, Trump said that being granted the prize “was really surprising and very much appreciated,” adding, “It really is a great honor.”

Netanyahu explained the decision publicly, saying Israel chose to mirror Trump’s willingness to break convention. “We decided to break a convention, or create a new one, and that is to award the Israel Prize, which in almost our 80 years we’ve never awarded to a non-Israeli,” he said. “It’s going to be awarded to President Donald J. Trump for his tremendous contributions to Israel and the Jewish people,” calling the move “such a fitting thing.” Netanyahu added that the gesture reflects appreciation across Israel’s political spectrum for Trump’s support in the fight against terrorists and those seeking to harm Israel.

Kisch later confirmed the decision in a post on X, writing: “For the first time in the history of the State of Israel: The Israel Prize will be awarded to President Trump!” He described the move as historic recognition of Trump’s extraordinary contribution and lasting impact on the Jewish people in Israel and around the world.