Post by : Meena Ariff

Photo: Reuters

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced yesterday that he has officially nominated former US President Donald Trump for the Nobel Peace Prize. Netanyahu handed Trump a copy of his nomination letter during a dinner at the White House, highlighting what he called Trump’s major role in bringing peace to different countries and regions.

“He is forging peace as we speak, in one country, in one region after the other,” Netanyahu said while sitting beside Trump during their dinner meeting.

Why Did Netanyahu Nominate Trump?

This nomination comes as Netanyahu believes Trump has played a very important part in reducing tensions and conflicts in various parts of the world. Netanyahu said that Trump’s actions have helped improve Israel’s relations with its neighbours, which he sees as a historic achievement.

Trump, who has been nominated several times in the past by supporters and lawmakers, has never won the Nobel Peace Prize. He has often spoken about his disappointment at not receiving the award despite what he sees as his successful efforts in global peace-making.

Trump’s Complaints About Being Overlooked

Trump has complained publicly that the Norwegian Nobel Committee ignored his work in resolving tensions in different parts of the world. For instance, he mentioned that he played a role in reducing hostilities between India and Pakistan during times of military tensions.

He also claimed he helped improve relations between Serbia and Kosovo, two countries in Europe that have had a difficult history and conflicts over independence and borders. Trump believes his administration’s efforts in negotiating between them should have been recognised.

The Abraham Accords: Trump’s Major Peace Deal

One of Trump’s biggest foreign policy achievements was the Abraham Accords. These were agreements made during his presidency that aimed to normalise relations between Israel and several Arab nations.

Under the Abraham Accords, countries like:

• United Arab Emirates (UAE)
• Bahrain
• Sudan
• Morocco

Decided to establish diplomatic ties with Israel. Before this, these countries did not officially recognise Israel. The deals included agreements on trade, security, tourism, and direct flights between nations. Many leaders and experts called this a major step towards peace in the Middle East, although some critics said more work was needed for lasting peace in the region.

Trump’s Role as a Self-Proclaimed Peacemaker

During his political campaigns, Trump often described himself as a “peacemaker.” He told voters that he would use his business negotiation skills to quickly end wars and bring peace.

He promised to end the war in Ukraine and also bring peace to Gaza, where Israel and Palestinian groups have been in conflict for decades. However, now that he has returned to the presidency, more than five months have passed, and both conflicts are still ongoing without a resolution.

Why Is the Nobel Peace Prize Important?

The Nobel Peace Prize is one of the world’s most respected awards. It is given every year to people, leaders, or organisations that have made great efforts to bring peace, reduce conflict, or help humanity.

Trump has always believed he deserves this honour because of his work to stop wars, reduce tensions, and create better ties between countries. Netanyahu’s nomination shows that some world leaders, like the Israeli Prime Minister, also see Trump as someone who has helped bring peace to the world.

What Happens Next?

The Norwegian Nobel Committee will review all nominations for the 2025 Nobel Peace Prize. They receive hundreds of nominations every year, and the winner is usually announced in October.

For now, Trump has gained another nomination adding to his list. It remains to be seen whether the committee will agree with Netanyahu’s view and award Trump the prize this year.