SRINAGAR: Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu nominated US President Donald Trump for the Nobel Peace Prize, citing his efforts in brokering a ceasefire between Iran and Israel following a 12-day conflict.
Netanyahu presented the nomination letter during a dinner at the White House on Monday, weeks after Trump announced the ceasefire that ended hostilities which began on June 13.
“President Trump is forging peace as we speak, in one country and one region after the other,” Netanyahu said at the event. “So, I want to present to you, Mr. President, the letter I sent to the Nobel Prize committee. It’s nominating you for the peace prize, which is well-deserved.”
The Israeli leader praised Trump’s role in advancing “peace and security” in the Middle East, stating, “I want to express the appreciation and admiration not only of all Israelis, but of the Jewish people and many admirers around the world, for your leadership of the free world and of a just cause.”
In response, Trump expressed surprise at the nomination. “This I did not know. Wow, thank you very much. Coming from you in particular, this is very meaningful,” he said.
Trump, while hosting Netanyahu and his wife Sara, described them as “longtime friends” and said their past collaboration had led to “tremendous success.”
