Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Monday formally nominated former U.S. President Donald Trump for the Nobel Peace Prize, handing him a letter of recommendation during a meeting at the White House where the two also discussed the ongoing war in Gaza.
The letter, dated July 1 and addressed to the Norwegian Nobel Committee, praises Trump’s “pivotal role” in brokering normalization agreements between Israel and several Arab states—namely the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Morocco, and Sudan—during his first term. Those agreements, known as the Abraham Accords, marked a significant diplomatic shift in the region.
“President Trump has demonstrated steadfast and exceptional dedication to promoting peace, security and stability around the world,” Netanyahu wrote in the letter, which notably made no mention of Gaza.
Presenting the letter in person, Netanyahu told Trump: “It’s well deserved, and you should get it.”
A visibly surprised Trump replied: “This I didn’t know. Wow. Coming from you in particular, this is very meaningful,” as he read the text aloud.
The two leaders also discussed their recent military campaign against Iranian nuclear sites, declaring it a success. Netanyahu, however, reiterated his longstanding opposition to granting Palestinian statehood as part of any ceasefire in Gaza.
Trump, who has often voiced frustration at being passed over for the prize, welcomed the nomination but struck a characteristically defiant note. Last month, ahead of announcing a ceasefire between Israel and Iran following his order to bomb Iranian nuclear facilities, he wrote on Truth Social, his media platform: “No, I won’t get a Nobel Peace Prize no matter what I do, including Russia/Ukraine, and Israel/Iran, whatever those outcomes may be, but the people know, and that’s all that matters to me!”
Pakistan also nominated Trump for the award in June, citing his diplomatic efforts to halt fighting between India and Pakistan earlier this year.
Trump has said he aims to expand the Abraham Accords if elected again, with Saudi Arabia and Syria seen as possible additions, contingent, many observers note, on a resolution to the war in Gaza.