Trump to Receive Israeli Honor Amid Hostage Release

JERUSALEM, Israel — Donald Trump is scheduled to land in Tel Aviv on Monday morning and deliver a speech at the Knesset, Israel’s parliament, as part of his visit coinciding with the release of living hostages held in Gaza.

Israeli President Isaac Herzog announced that he intends to confer Israel’s highest civilian award to Trump in recognition of his significant role in facilitating the release of these hostages. A presidential statement indicated that Herzog will inform Trump of this honor during their meeting.

The ceremony will take place in the upcoming months, with the specific date and location yet to be determined. “Through his tireless efforts, President Trump has not only helped bring our loved ones home but has also laid the groundwork for a new era in the Middle East based on security, cooperation, and the genuine hope of a peaceful future,” Herzog stated.

Trump’s visit aligns with the anticipated return of all living hostages under a ceasefire agreement brokered by the United States between Israel and Hamas. Herzog acknowledged Trump’s steadfast support for Israel, notably his role in the Abraham Accords that normalized relations between Israel and three Arab nations: Bahrain, the United Arab Emirates, and Morocco.

The Israeli presidential medal is awarded to individuals or organizations for exceptional contributions to Israel or humanity. Barack Obama was the first sitting U.S. president to receive this award in 2013.

Amid these developments, the Al-Qassam Brigades, Hamas’ military wing, have announced the names of 20 Israeli hostages who are expected to be released. They are to be handed over to Israeli authorities as part of the hostage release agreement, which has sparked hope and anticipation among families and the Israeli public.