By Joke Kujenya
UNITED STATES (US) President Donald Trump has received a formal nomination for the Nobel Peace Prize from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, following efforts to secure a ceasefire during the recent 12-day conflict.
The letter of nomination was personally handed to Trump during a White House dinner, where Netanyahu commended the US president’s role in advancing peace and regional security.
Describing Trump’s diplomacy as “forging peace… in one country, in one region after the other,” Netanyahu praised what he called a consistent pursuit of stability across volatile zones.
“This is very meaningful,” Trump responded, receiving the nomination letter originally submitted to the Nobel Prize Committee.
This marks Trump’s second nomination for the prestigious award.
Pakistan previously recommended him after he played a key role in brokering a de-escalation between India and Pakistan.
In that instance, Islamabad highlighted Trump’s strategic diplomacy and ability to engage both nations at a critical juncture.
Netanyahu’s visit to Washington comes amid renewed military action in Gaza and efforts to advance a longer-term truce.
Trump recently announced Israel’s agreement to a 60-day ceasefire with Hamas.
Days later, Hamas confirmed a “positive response” to a proposal involving both hostage release and ceasefire terms.
It is also the first meeting between Trump and Netanyahu since the brief armed confrontation between Israel and Iran. During that conflict, the United States carried out limited strikes on Iranian nuclear sites.
Trump has since expressed hopes that further military engagement will be unnecessary.
On Gaza, Netanyahu called for openness and cooperation, citing efforts with the US to identify countries willing to invest in Palestinian futures. “The freedom to choose, Palestinians should have it,” he said.
Trump added that neighbouring countries had shown strong support in the peace process, suggesting that “something good will happen.”
His earlier remarks during a February White House visit with Netanyahu where he proposed the US might “take over” Gaza and resettle Palestinians, drew sharp criticism from the United Nations, which labelled the proposal ethnic cleansing.
