US President Donald Trump is reportedly considering flying to Israel in April to receive the prestigious Israel Prize in Jerusalem on Israel's Independence Day, according to Channel 14.
In response to a question about whether he will arrive in person to receive the prize on the national holiday, which falls on April 22, Trump reportedly answered, "Yes, it seems like it."
Education Minister Yoav Kisch announced that Trump would receive the award in December, for his "special contribution towards the Jewish people."
Trump will be awarded the prize for his "work in the fight against antisemitism, his contribution to promoting the return of the hostages to Israel, the recognition of Jerusalem as the capital of Israel, and his consistent support for the right of the State of Israel to defend itself," a statement released by the Education Ministry in December explained.
Along with the announcement in December, Kisch stated that he is "proud to present the Israel Prize to President Donald John Trump on behalf of the State of Israel and the Jewish people," adding that "the prize proves the deep, eternal, and inseparable bond between the Israeli and American people."
In February, before the current war with Iran, Kisch sent Trump an official invitation to attend the Israel Prize ceremony. Kisch also stated in February that he plans to present Trump with a one-of-a-kind sculpture designed by Ben Dror, a 24-year-old designer who has served 600 days in reserve duty.
Kisch also stated in the February announcement that he plans to present Trump with a one-of-a-kind sculpture designed by Ben Dror, a 24-year-old designer who has served 600 days in reserve duty.
Is Trump eligible for Israel Prize as a non-Israeli citizen or resident?
According to the Israel Prize regulations, as published on the Education Ministry's website, it is unlikely that Trump would be eligible for the award because he is not an Israeli citizen or resident.
The only exception is the Israel Prize for "special contribution towards the Jewish people."
In July 2025, Kisch revised the eligibility rules for the prize, allowing Diaspora Jews to be eligible, which led to criticism at the time from former officials and academics, who argued that the decision undermined the award's identity as a celebration of Israeli success.
Shir Perets, Amichai Stein, and James Genn contributed to this report.