Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu revealed Monday that he has formally nominated President Donald Trump for the Nobel Peace Prize, citing the U.S. leader’s role in advancing peace across the Middle East.
The announcement came during a high-profile meeting between the two leaders at the White House, where they discussed regional security, Iran’s nuclear ambitions, and prospects for expanded peace agreements.
“I want to express the appreciation and admiration not only of all Israelis, but of the Jewish people and countless admirers around the world for your leadership — the leadership of the free world, of justice, and of peace,” Netanyahu said during their joint remarks. “Mr. President, you’ve already made historic progress — forging the Abraham Accords and continuing to foster peace across the region.”
He then presented Trump with a copy of the letter he sent to the Nobel Committee nominating him for the prestigious peace prize.
Trump, appearing surprised by the gesture, thanked Netanyahu and said he was unaware of the nomination.
Abraham Accords and Regional Shifts
Netanyahu praised Trump’s push to normalize relations between Israel and several Arab nations through the Abraham Accords, and suggested more diplomatic breakthroughs were on the horizon.
The meeting comes on the heels of joint U.S. and Israeli military action against Iran’s nuclear infrastructure — part of an ongoing effort to deter Tehran’s atomic program.
Trump claimed Monday that Iran is no longer the “bully of the Middle East,” and indicated that nuclear talks with Tehran are expected to resume “within the next week or so.”
On Gaza, Hostages, and Two-State Talks
Neither U.S. nor Israeli officials offered updates when asked about stalled negotiations with Hamas regarding the Gaza conflict and the return of hostages who have been held for over 630 days.
When questioned about the possibility of a two-state solution, a longstanding U.S. foreign policy goal, Trump deferred to Netanyahu.
“I believe Palestinians should have all the powers to govern themselves — but not the powers to threaten us,” Netanyahu said, reiterating that “overall security” would remain solely under Israeli control. “No one in Israel will agree to anything else, because we don’t commit suicide.”
Expanding Peace and Shifting Alliances
Netanyahu voiced optimism about expanding peace across the region with Trump’s continued leadership.
“I believe we can achieve peace between Israel and the entire Middle East with President Trump’s leadership,” he said.
While Saudi Arabia has held firm on its position that normalization with Israel won’t come until a Palestinian peace agreement is reached, U.S. officials have hinted that other countries — including Lebanon and Syria — may be moving toward opening diplomatic ties.
Earlier Monday, the U.S. envoy to Lebanon and Syria suggested that both nations may be exploring new pathways to improve relations.
Trump on Sanctions and Rebuilding Iran
Trump also mentioned recent moves to ease sanctions on Syria and said he’d be open to lifting sanctions on Iran — if the regime showed signs of a peaceful shift.
“I’d like to see Iran build itself back up — peacefully,” Trump said. “Not going around chanting ‘Death to America, Death to Israel.’ They have tremendous potential if they choose a different path.”
Netanyahu and Trump concluded their meeting with a private dinner in the White House’s Blue Room.
The Nobel Peace Prize nomination adds another layer to Trump’s post-presidency political agenda, especially as his administration seeks to reshape U.S. foreign policy during his second term.
