LONDON: In what supporters have called a symbol of solidarity and detractors a humiliating act of fealty, Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu this week revealed he had nominated Donald Trump for the Nobel Peace Prize — an award long sought by the US president.
The decision by Netanyahu appears designed to help bolster ties between the two long-term allies and ease reported tensions over Israel’s 21-month-long war in Gaza and its bruising 12-day conflict with Iran last month.
Netanyahu presented the nomination letter to Trump at the White House on Monday, and was met with a look of surprise from the US president.
“It’s nominating you for the Peace Prize, which is well deserved, and you should get it,” Netanyahu said.
“Wow, coming from you, in particular, this is very meaningful. Thank you very much, Bibi,” Trump responded.
