Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has officially nominated former U.S. President Donald Trump for the Nobel Peace Prize. The announcement came during Netanyahu’s visit to the White House. He presented Trump with a letter addressed to the Nobel Committee.
The news that Netanyahu has nominated Trump for the Nobel Peace Prize comes at a sensitive time. Israel’s military operation in Gaza has continued for months, with over 57,000 Palestinians reportedly killed. Humanitarian organizations and the International Criminal Court (ICC) have raised serious concerns. In 2023, the ICC issued arrest warrants for Netanyahu and former Israeli defense minister Yoav Gallant, accusing them of war crimes and depriving civilians of essential resources like food, water, and medicine.
Despite the ongoing conflict, Netanyahu praised Trump for promoting peace efforts across the globe. “He’s forging peace as we speak, in one country, in one region after the other,” Netanyahu said during a private dinner with Trump.
This is not the first time Trump has been suggested for the prestigious award. Over the years, Trump has received several nominations from U.S. lawmakers and international figures. Supporters point to his role in mediating between nations such as Serbia and Kosovo and India and Pakistan as evidence of his peacebuilding efforts.
In 2024, Trump compared himself to Barack Obama, claiming he was more deserving of a Nobel Peace Prize. He expressed frustration that his diplomatic contributions, including the Abraham Accords, were not formally recognized. The Abraham Accords helped normalize relations between Israel and several Arab states. It was a move hailed as historic by U.S. allies and criticized by some in the Middle East.
Earlier this year, Pakistan also considered nominating Trump for his role in easing tensions between India and Pakistan. However, the idea faced backlash. Lawmakers and rights groups in Pakistan criticized the decision, especially after U.S. military strikes on Iranian nuclear sites in support of Israel. A resolution to withdraw the nomination was submitted in the Senate but had no official impact since Pakistan had not formally filed the nomination.
As Netanyahu nominates Trump for Nobel Peace Prize, the timing has raised eyebrows worldwide. Many wonder how peace efforts can be acknowledged while war continues in Gaza. Trump, who is campaigning for re-election, continues to brand himself as a global peacemaker and has pledged to end ongoing conflicts if returned to office.
Still, criticism remains. While Trump’s supporters highlight his negotiation tactics, opponents argue that his policies have often led to more division and unrest.
