WASHINGTON: Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu revealed he nominated US President Donald Trump for the Nobel Peace Prize, during a joint press conference at the White House.
The right-wing Israeli leader presented Trump with a letter he reportedly sent to the Nobel prize committee.
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Trump had previously been nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize by Pakistan for his role in mediating peace between India and Pakistan early this year.
The reality media mogul has expressed annoyance in past of being passed over for the peace prize in favour “of the liberals”, possibly hinting at Democratic US President Obama receiving the prestigious prize.
During the joint press conference, Trump expressed optimism about the possibility of a ceasefire in Gaza, after months of Israeli brutality that has claimed over 57,000 Gazans’ lives.
Amnesty International, among other rights’ groups, declared Israeli atrocities in Gaza as amounting to a genocide.
“They [Hamas] want to meet and they want to have the ceasefire”, Trump told the reported, suggesting that Hamas was open to negotiations, despite ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza due to Israeli actions.
Trump also declared that the ‘war’ between Israel and Iran was effectively over. Over 430 Iranians and 30 Israelis were killed in the 12-day war, which began on June 13 when Israel launched several airstrikes on Iran, killing its elite military personnel and scientists.
Israel was accused of deliberately sabotaging the fragile US-Iran talks going on at the time, with one of Iran’s lead negotiator perishing in the strikes.
Meanwhile, Netanyahu said he was open to make ‘peace’ with Palestinian neighbours who would “not want to destroy [Israel]”, but reaffirmed Israel’s stance on security, stating that the occupying regime would continue to ‘defend’ itself.
The right-wing leader also stated that it was up to the people of Iran when asked about a change in Iran’s government. During the Israel-Iran War, Netanyahu had openly called for the assassination of Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
In a surprise move, Trump announced that the US would increase its military support for Ukraine, stating “they have to defend themselves”. This marks a notable shift from his previous rhetoric, which called for peaceful negotiations with Russian President Vladimir Putin.
Trump’s comments signal a strong back for Ukraine’s defense following a rather public disappointment in Putin, who refused to compromise on any point in a possible ceasefire Trump was hoping to pursue in the Russo-Ukraine War.
On trade, Trump confirmed that the US would proceed with imposing 25 per cent tariffs on countries, including close allies: South Korea and Japan, by August 1.
The Republican expressed openness to alternative proposals but reiterated the US stance on ‘protecting’ its economic interests.
Trump also revealed that a trade deal with India, the country’s tenth-largest trading partner, was close to being finalised.
Regarding the US-Iran relations, Trump confirmed that talks with Iran were scheduled, adding that sanctions could be lifted “at the right time”.
The US Middle East envoy, Steve Witkoff also participated in the press conference. He announced that a key meeting with Iranian officials is scheduled for the coming week as part of continued diplomatic efforts
When asked about the Palestinian relocation plans, Trump noted that the US has received cooperation from several neighbouring countries. Netanyahu added that efforts were underway to find countries willing to provide Palestinians with a “better future”, although details of such plans were not disclosed.
Read more: Trump envoy, Steve Witkoff’s remarks may be closest admission of Israel’s atrocities
The six-times bankrupted businessman was also asked about the viability of a two-state solution for Palestine-Israel conflict. He responded with “I don’t know”, and deferred to Netanyahu for further clarification.
Meanwhile, Netanyahu stated that Israel was ‘committed’ to peace with Palestinians who did not seek its destruction.