Donald Trump (AP image) and medal (AI-generated image)

Israel President Isaac Herzog announced on Monday that he will present the country’s highest civilian award to his US counterpart Donald Trump. The award, Israeli Presidential Medal of Honor will be presented to US President in recognition of his role in securing the release of hostages from Gaza and helping to end the ongoing conflict.“Through his tireless efforts, President Trump has not only helped bring our loved ones home but has also laid the foundations for a new era in the Middle East built on security, cooperation, and genuine hope for a peaceful future,” Herzog said in a statement issued by his office.“It will be a great honour for me to present him with the Israeli Presidential Medal of Honor,” he added. The award will be presented in the “coming months” and Herzog said he will formally inform Trump of his decision when the US president visits Israel on Monday, as reported by news agency AFP. During his brief visit, Trump is expected to meet families of hostages and address the Israeli parliament.The presentation of the medal coincides with a significant step in the peace process. On Monday, Israel and Hamas are set to carry out a hostage-prisoner exchange as part of the first phase of a peace plan proposed by Trump. The US leader’s 20-point plan aims to end more than two years of war between Israel and Hamas, triggered by the Palestinian militant group’s unprecedented attack on Israel on October 7, 2023.Herzog highlighted Trump’s broader contributions to regional peace and Israel’s security.In a statement issued, he said: “President Trump’s legacy will be remembered for generations by the State of Israel and the Jewish people. From his unwavering support for the State of Israel, to the advent of the Abraham Accords which expanded the circle of peace in our region, from the two historic agreements that brought our dear hostages home and saved countless lives, to the decisive strike on Iran’s nuclear program, President Trump’s voice has always been one of courage and leadership, and of steadfast commitment to the pursuit of peace and humanity,” according to Jerusalem Post. The Israeli Presidential Medal of Honor is awarded to individuals who have made an outstanding contribution to the State of Israel or to humanity. The award has previously been presented to former US president Barack Obama in 2013.