Kathmandu. Israeli President Isaac Herzog has announced that he will award his American counterpart, Donald Trump, the country’s highest civilian honor, the Israeli Presidential Medal of Honor, for his role in the release of hostages from Gaza and his contribution to efforts to end the war.

“Through his tireless and dedicated efforts, President Trump has not only helped bring our loved ones home, he has also laid the foundation for a new Middle East era based on security, cooperation, and a peaceful future,” President Herzog said in a statement issued through his office on Monday.

According to Herzog, the award will be presented “in the coming months.” Herzog reportedly formally informed US President Trump about it during his recent visit to Israel. It is also reported that preparations are underway to begin the process of exchanging hostages between Israel and Hamas as part of the first phase of Trump’s proposed peace plan on Monday.

Trump’s 20-point peace plan aims to end the more than two-year-old war between Israel and Hamas that began on October 7, 2023. On that day, the Palestinian militant group Hamas launched an unprecedented attack on Israel. The conflict has continued uninterrupted since then.

During his visit to Israel, President Trump is also scheduled to meet with families of hostages and address the Israeli parliament (Knesset). President Herzog said, “This honor is given to those great individuals who have made extraordinary contributions to the state of Israel or to the welfare of all humanity.” Israel previously awarded the same award to former US President Barack Obama in 2013. (AFP)