Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced Monday that former President Donald Trump will be awarded the prestigious Israel Prize, following their meeting at Trump’s Mar-a-Lago estate in Florida. The decision marks a notable departure from tradition, as the honor has historically been reserved for Israeli citizens or residents.

The Israel Prize represents the highest cultural honor in the country, typically awarded to Israeli scholars, artists, and individuals who have made exceptional contributions to Israeli society and culture. Previous recipients have included prominent Israeli authors, scientists, and public figures who have shaped the nation’s intellectual and cultural landscape.

Netanyahu’s announcement comes amid a period of strong diplomatic ties between Trump and Israel’s conservative government. During his presidency, Trump enacted several policies that aligned with Netanyahu’s agenda, including moving the U.S. embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem, recognizing Israeli sovereignty over the Golan Heights, and brokering the Abraham Accords that normalized relations between Israel and several Arab nations.

The timing of the announcement coincides with the ongoing conflict in Gaza, which began after Hamas’s October 7 attack on Israel. The United States, under President Biden’s administration, has continued to provide military support to Israel while simultaneously calling for increased humanitarian aid to Gaza and steps toward a ceasefire.

Political analysts suggest that the award may serve multiple purposes for Netanyahu, who faces domestic political challenges and international criticism over the handling of the Gaza conflict. By honoring Trump, who remains popular among many Israelis for his pro-Israel stance during his presidency, Netanyahu may be seeking to strengthen his position with his political base while also signaling appreciation for continued Republican support in the U.S.

The decision to award the Israel Prize to a non-Israeli citizen has raised eyebrows among some observers. Critics argue that it politicizes what has traditionally been a cultural and academic honor, while supporters maintain that Trump’s contributions to Israel’s security and international standing merit such recognition.

For Trump, currently campaigning for the 2024 presidential election, the honor provides an opportunity to highlight his foreign policy record, particularly regarding Israel. The former president has frequently cited his administration’s actions in the Middle East as among his most significant achievements.

The ceremony details, including when and where Trump would receive the award, have not yet been announced. Traditionally, Israel Prize ceremonies are held in Jerusalem on Independence Day, though it remains unclear whether this format will be followed for this exceptional case.

The award comes at a time when U.S.-Israel relations under the Biden administration have shown signs of strain, with public disagreements over military tactics in Gaza and the pace of humanitarian aid delivery. Netanyahu’s government has faced increasing international pressure, including from traditional allies, over the humanitarian situation in Gaza.

Israeli officials familiar with the decision, speaking on condition of anonymity, indicated that the unprecedented nature of awarding the prize to a former foreign leader required special consideration within the government. The move underscores the exceptional regard in which Trump is held by the current Israeli leadership.

As Israel navigates complex diplomatic challenges in the region, this symbolic gesture toward the former U.S. president signals the continuing importance Netanyahu places on maintaining strong ties with Trump and his supporters in American politics, regardless of the outcome of the upcoming U.S. election.