In a dramatic move that’s turning heads across the global political spectrum, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has formally nominated former U.S. President Donald J. Trump for the 2025 Nobel Peace Prize, citing his role in reshaping Middle East alliances and pursuing “historic normalization efforts.”
This comes just weeks after a controversial nomination of Trump from a political figure in Pakistan, sparking intense debate in both countries and beyond.
“President Trump laid the groundwork for a safer, more stable Middle East,” Netanyahu said in a press briefing in Jerusalem. “From the Abraham Accords to counter-terror diplomacy, his contributions deserve global recognition.”
Trump, who is currently the leading Republican contender for the 2024 U.S. presidential election, has long touted his role in brokering peace deals between Israel and several Arab nations, including the UAE, Bahrain, Sudan, and Morocco under the Abraham Accords signed in 2020.
While the Nobel nomination process allows a wide range of qualified officials — including heads of state and members of national assemblies — to propose candidates, Netanyahu’s move is seen as highly political, especially as both he and Trump face elections and legal challenges in their respective countries.
Global Reactions Mixed
Supporters of Trump have hailed the nomination as long overdue, pointing to what they call “transformational diplomacy.” Critics, however, call it “political theater”, noting that both Pakistan’s and Israel’s nominations could polarize the Nobel committee and politicize the prize itself.
Analysts also highlight the unusual convergence of endorsements from countries that rarely find themselves aligned — Pakistan and Israel — both advocating for the same nominee in the same year.
“This is perhaps the only time in recent memory where two historically opposed nations have nominated the same foreign leader for a peace prize,” said international affairs expert Dr. Lina Badr.
What Happens Next?
The Nobel Committee in Oslo will review all 2025 nominations through the end of the year. A final decision is expected to be announced in October 2025. While nominations do not imply endorsement by the Nobel Committee, they often trigger global discourse on diplomacy, conflict resolution, and leadership.
As Trump seeks a return to the White House, the nomination adds a new layer to his campaign narrative — one that may appeal to internationalists and conservatives alike.
