‘He’s forging peace as we…’: Israeli PM Netanyahu nominates Donald Trump for Nobel Peace Prize

Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu hands President Donald Trump a folder during a meeting in the Blue Room of the White House. (AP photo)

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu nominated US President Donald Trump for the Nobel Peace Prize, personally handing him a copy of the nomination, during their third meeting since January 20 inauguration at the White House on Monday.

“He's forging peace as we speak, in one country, in one region after the other,” Netanyahu said.

“I want to present to you, Mr. President, the letter I sent to the Nobel Prize Committee. It nominates you for the Peace Prize, which is well deserved,” Netanyahu added. The Israeli PM also praised Donald Trump's leadership, saying it is admired by Israelis, the Jewish people, and many others worldwide.

Trump has received multiple Nobel Peace Prize nominations from supporters and loyal lawmakers over the years, and has made no secret of his irritation at missing out on the prestigious award.

The Republican has complained that he had been overlooked by the Norwegian Nobel Committee for his mediating role in conflicts between India and Pakistan, as well as Serbia and Kosovo, according to a report by AFP.

He has also demanded credit for "keeping peace" between Egypt and Ethiopia and brokering the Abraham Accords, a series of agreements aiming to normalize relations between Israel and several Arab nations.

After receiving the nomination letter, Trump responded, “Thank you very much. This I didn't know—wow, thank you very much. Coming from you... This is very meaningful.”

At the start of their dinner meeting, Trump called it an honour to host Netanyahu and his wife Sara, describing them as longtime friends and praising their shared success.

“It's an honor to have BB (Benjamin Netanyahu) and Sara with us. Friends of mine for a long time, and we've had tremendous success together, and I think it will only go on to be even greater success in the future,” said Donald Trump

Trump and Netanyahu met in Washington while Israeli officials held indirect negotiations with Hamas aimed at securing a US-brokered Gaza ceasefire and hostage-release deal.

Netanyahu's visit follows Trump's prediction, on the eve of their meeting, that such an agreement could be reached this week. Before heading to Washington, the right-wing Israeli leader said his discussions with Trump could help advance negotiations under way in Qatar between Israel and the Palestinian militant group, Reuters reported.