Crystal Dike
Israel’s President Isaac Herzog has announced that U.S. President Donald Trump will receive the country’s highest civilian honour, the Israeli Presidential Medal of Honour, in recognition of his role in mediating the ceasefire that led to the release of Israeli hostages from Gaza and brought an end to nearly two years of war.
Herzog made the announcement on Monday, describing Trump’s involvement as “instrumental in securing the freedom of hostages and restoring hope for peace.” The award ceremony is expected to take place later this month in Jerusalem.
The decision came as the last batch of 20 surviving Israeli hostages were released from Gaza on Sunday night, under a U.S.-brokered truce deal that also saw Israel free nearly 2,000 Palestinian detainees. The exchange marked the conclusion of a complex negotiation process that began earlier this year with Washington’s renewed diplomatic push in the Middle East.
The hostages were among the 251 people abducted during the October 7, 2023 Hamas attack on southern Israel, which left about 1,200 people dead. Their release on Sunday brought the total number of rescued or returned captives to all known surviving hostages, according to Israeli officials.
Crowds gathered at Hostage Square in Tel Aviv and other cities to celebrate the return, waving flags and holding portraits of those freed. President Trump, who arrived in Israel on Sunday evening, addressed the Knesset earlier on Monday, pledging continued U.S. support for regional peace and reconstruction efforts in Gaza.
The Presidential Medal of Honour—Israel’s highest civilian award—was established in 2012 to recognise individuals who have made exceptional contributions to the State of Israel or to humanity. Past recipients include U.S. presidents, global leaders, and notable figures in humanitarian service.
Herzog said the recognition of President Trump symbolises Israel’s gratitude for his “unwavering commitment to peace and the protection of Israeli lives.”