Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Monday announced that US President Donald Trump would be awarded Israel’s highest civilian honour, the Israel Prize, citing his “tremendous contributions to Israel and the Jewish people” and his role in strengthening regional security.

The announcement was made during a joint news conference with Trump at Mar-a-Lago in Florida, marking an unprecedented decision in Israel’s nearly eight-decade history. Traditionally reserved for Israeli citizens, the Israel Prize has never before been awarded to a non-Israeli.

“We decided to break a convention,” Netanyahu said. “That is to award the Israel Prize, which in almost our 80 years, we’ve never awarded to a non-Israeli.”

Netanyahu said the award would be formally presented on Israel’s Independence Day, and he invited Trump to attend the ceremony in Israel. “We’re going to award it this year to President Donald J. Trump for his tremendous contributions to Israel and the Jewish people,” he said, calling the decision “a fitting expression of gratitude.”

Describing the honour as reflective of national sentiment, Netanyahu said the recognition represented appreciation across Israel’s political spectrum. “This reflects the overwhelming sentiment of Israelis across the spectrum,” he said. “They appreciate what you’ve done to help Israel and to help our common battle against the terrorists and those who would destroy our civilization.”

Trump described the announcement as “a great honor” and thanked Netanyahu, emphasizing their close personal and political relationship. “That really is a great honor,” Trump said, expressing appreciation for Netanyahu’s words and friendship.

Netanyahu credited Trump’s approach to US-Israel relations with delivering tangible regional outcomes, arguing that close coordination between Washington and Jerusalem had reshaped the Middle East. “President Trump has done the exact opposite of what people expected,” Netanyahu said, referring to earlier US policies. “He’s achieved remarkable things in the Middle East because we work together.”

Trump, in turn, praised Netanyahu’s leadership, describing him as a “wartime prime minister” whose decisions were critical during periods of intense conflict. “If you had eight out of 10 prime ministers in his position right now, you wouldn’t have Israel any longer,” Trump said, crediting Netanyahu’s leadership with Israel’s survival and resilience.

Trump further argued that recent security successes had opened the door to broader regional peace initiatives. “Because of that victory, we were able to get peace in the Middle East,” he said, suggesting that stability had enabled diplomatic breakthroughs with Arab nations.

Netanyahu also highlighted Trump’s willingness to challenge diplomatic conventions, noting that many of his decisions were initially controversial but later widely accepted. “People said maybe he was right after all,” Netanyahu remarked.

The announcement comes amid ongoing discussions between the two leaders on regional security issues, including Gaza, Iran, and broader Middle East stability. Both leaders emphasized alignment on strategic priorities. “We pretty much agree on most of the things,” Trump said.

The Israel Prize is traditionally awarded for lifetime achievement and exceptional national contribution in fields such as culture, science, and public service. Awarding it to a foreign leader represents a historic departure from past practice.

Trump’s presidency has included several landmark policy shifts in favour of Israel, including the recognition of Jerusalem as Israel’s capital and strong diplomatic and military backing during periods of heightened conflict — moves that continue to shape US-Israel relations.