US President Donald Trump to receive Israel’s highest civilian honour for role in ceasefire

Israeli President Isaac Herzog announced on Monday that US President Donald Trump will be awarded the Israeli Presidential Medal of Honour, the country’s highest civilian accolade, in recognition of his

role in brokering a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas and securing the release of hostages held in Gaza.

President Trump is currently visiting Israel to mark the US-brokered truce, which brought an end to a prolonged and deadly conflict. The ceasefire agreement, finalised earlier this month, led to the release of all 20 surviving Israeli hostages by Hamas to Red Cross teams. In exchange, Israel released a number of Palestinian detainees from its prisons.

In a statement issued by the President’s Office, Herzog said: “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.”

He added: “It will be a great honour for me to present him with the Israeli Presidential Medal of Honour,” noting that the award will be formally conferred “in the coming months,” though Trump will be informed of the decision during his current visit.

The Israeli Presidential Medal of Honour has previously been awarded to global leaders, including former US Presidents Barack Obama and Joe Biden, and recognises individuals who have made an extraordinary contribution to the State of Israel or to humanity.

President Trump addressed the Israeli Parliament, the Knesset, during his visit, calling the ceasefire a turning point: “It marks the golden age of Israel and the Middle East,” he said, expressing gratitude to “friends from Arab and Muslim nations” for being “partners of peace” in achieving the agreement.

The announcement comes amid renewed diplomatic momentum in the region, with observers noting that Trump’s involvement in the ceasefire builds on his earlier role in the Abraham Accords, which normalised relations between Israel and several Arab nations.

The date and venue for the formal presentation of the medal are yet to be confirmed.

Also Read: Gaza ceasefire: Hamas hands over all 20 living Israeli hostages to Red Cross