Israeli PM Netanyahu nominates Trump for Nobel Peace Prize

New Delhi (India) July 8: In a visit at the White House on Monday, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu handed President Donald Trump a letter announcing his nomination for the Nobel Peace Prize.

Netanyahu said, "The President has already realised great opportunities. He forged the Abraham Accords. He's forging peace as we speak in one country, in one region after the other. 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, and you should get it." 

He also added, “I want to express the appreciation and admiration not only of all Israelis, but of the Jewish people and many, many admirers around the world, for your leadership, your leadership of the free world, your leadership of a just cause, and the pursuit of peace and security which you are leading in many lands, but now especially in the Middle East. The President has an extraordinary team, and I think our teams together make an extraordinary combination to meet challenges and seize opportunities." 

The nomination seems unexpected for Trump, who has long referred to himself as a great mediator and publicly stated his ambition to get the Nobel Peace Prize.

He said, "Coming from you, in particular, this is very meaningful. Thank you very much." 

The Israeli prime minister met US President Donald Trump for an intimate dinner at the White House on Monday. They are gathering for the third time this year as criticism rises over Israel's continuous military war in Gaza and the unresolved hostage situation.

Netanyahu praised Trump's "pursuit of peace and security," emphasising his leadership "in many lands, but now, especially in the Middle East."

Over the years, Trump has gotten numerous nominations for the Nobel Peace Prize from devoted lawmakers and followers, and he has publicly expressed his annoyance at not being awarded the coveted prize. The Republican has expressed dissatisfaction with the Norwegian Nobel Committee's failure to recognise him for his mediation work in the disputes between Serbia and Kosovo and India and Pakistan.

The gathering also takes place as relatives of Hamas detainees are pleading with both leaders to guarantee that the release of all surviving hostages is a part of any future peace deal.

For months, Trump has been attempting to mediate a peace agreement between Israel and Hamas.

Trump expressed his confidence that Hamas was willing to put an end to the battle in Gaza, which is approaching its 22nd month while being seated across from the Israeli leader at a large table.

Aadrika Tayal