Netanyahu nominates Trump for Nobel Peace Prize — but does he meet the criteria to win?

Dubai: When Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu arrived at the White House for a private dinner with Donald Trump on Monday, he brought with him a gesture that was both highly symbolic and unexpected: a formal nomination letter for the Nobel Peace Prize, endorsing Trump for his efforts in brokering peace across the Middle East.

The meeting came at a critical moment, as negotiators worked behind the scenes in Doha to finalize a potential ceasefire deal between Israel and Hamas aimed at ending the nearly two-year-long war in Gaza.

For Trump, who has long coveted the Nobel Peace Prize, securing a breakthrough in the region could be a defining moment in his foreign policy legacy — and a compelling case for global recognition.

“He’s forging peace, as we speak, in one country, in one region after the other,” Netanyahu said, handing over the signed nomination letter. “So, I want to present to you, Mr. President, the letter I sent to the Nobel Prize Committee… It’s well deserved.”

“Wow… This I didn’t know,” Trump responded, visibly moved. “Coming from you, in particular, this is very meaningful.”

Trump has made no secret of his obsession with winning the Nobel Peace Prize, frequently citing his role in brokering the Abraham Accords — a series of historic normalization agreements between Israel and countries like the UAE and Bahrain. In 2020, those efforts earned him nominations from lawmakers in Norway and Sweden.

Now, a fresh nomination from Netanyahu renews Trump’s campaign for a prize he believes he deserves — not just for the Abraham Accords, but also for his current role in pressuring Israel and Hamas toward a ceasefire.
At the dinner, Trump reportedly emphasized his desire for a “complete end to the war” in Gaza.

While he praised Netanyahu as a key peace partner, Trump has also shown frustration with the Israeli leader in the past, particularly when ceasefire efforts have stalled.

“I’m stopping wars. I’m stopping wars. And I hate to see people killed,” Trump said as dinner began. He referred to recent airstrikes in Iran as part of a larger campaign to reassert U.S. strength while pushing diplomatic solutions.
According to Trump’s aides, the dinner also included discussions around offering incentives — or applying pressure — to get Netanyahu on board with a full ceasefire deal. Trump’s foreign envoy, Steve Witkoff, is expected to join peace talks in Doha later this week, signaling that negotiations are progressing.

The Nobel Peace Prize, established under Alfred Nobel’s will, is awarded each year to individuals or organisations that have made the most significant contribution to promoting peace, resolving conflicts, or fostering international cooperation.
Unlike other Nobel prizes presented in Sweden, the Peace Prize is awarded in Norway, chosen by a committee appointed by the Norwegian Parliament.

Significant and lasting contributions to ending conflict or preventing war.
Diplomatic achievements that reduce tension between nations or communities.
Humanitarian work that upholds peace, reconciliation, and justice.
A preference for quiet diplomacy and long-term impact over self-promotion.

While Trump has been nominated several times, including for the Abraham Accords and efforts with North and South Korea, a nomination is just the beginning. Hundreds of names are submitted each year, and the Nobel Committee keeps deliberations confidential.
Critics argue that some of Trump’s foreign policy decisions — like imposing tariffs on 11 countries or withdrawing from international agreements — undermine his peace credentials. The Committee also tends to favour nominees with humility and multilateral support, something Trump’s style often contradicts.
“The committee generally rewards consistent, long-term diplomacy,” said a former Nobel consultant. “One big achievement helps, but it rarely wins the prize without global consensus on its impact.”
Whether or not Trump wins the Nobel Peace Prize, his pursuit of it continues to influence his Middle East diplomacy and strategic relationships. As the war in Gaza inches closer to a possible resolution, Trump is framing himself not only as a peace negotiator — but as a deserving laureate.