United States President Donald Trump will receive the Israel Prize in 2026, for his "special contribution towards the Jewish people," Education Minister Yoav Kisch announced on Monday.
Trump will be awarded the prize for his "work in the fight against antisemitism, his contribution to promoting the return of the hostages to Israel, the recognition of Jerusalem as the capital of Israel, and his consistent support for the right of the State of Israel to defend itself," a statement released by the Education Ministry explained.
Kisch stated that he is "proud to present the Israel Prize to President Donald John Trump on behalf of the State of Israel and the Jewish people," elaborating that "the prize proves the deep, eternal, and inseparable bond between the Israeli and American people."
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu earlier told Trump during their Monday meeting that he would receive the Israel Peace Prize.
This came after Netanyahu brought up Kisch, whose ministry is responsible for nominating the Israel Prize laureates.
Trump replied that he would "consider attending the ceremony," which is usually held on the eve of Israel's Independence Day.
The Israel Prize is the state's highest civilian honor.
Is Trump eligible for Israel Prize as a non-Israeli citizen or resident?
According to the Israel Prize regulations, as published on the Education Ministry's website, it is unlikely that Trump would be eligible for the award because he is not an Israeli citizen or resident.
The only exception is the Israel Prize for "special contribution towards the Jewish people."
"The candidate or candidates will be citizens of the State of Israel, residents of the country for the last three years prior to the nomination. This is with the exception of candidates for the Israel Prize for Diaspora Jewry and/or for a special contribution to the Jewish people," reads clause 13 of the award guidelines.
The following clause states that "In special cases, it will be possible, by decision of the education minister, to award the Israel Prize to residents who have lived in the country for many years and who call this their home, even if they are not citizens."
Very few non-Israeli citizens have won the Israel Prize in any category throughout its history. One of the few is Indian conductor Zubin Mehta, who was granted the prize in 1991 while working with the Israel Philharmonic Orchestra for almost 50 years until his retirement in 2019.
In July, Kisch revised the eligibility rules for the prize, allowing Diaspora Jews to be eligible, which led to criticism at the time from former officials and academics, who argued that the decision undermined the award's identity as celebrating the success of Israelis.
James Genn and Nadav Menuhin contributed to this report.