At a politically charged White House dinner, Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu solemnly handed over a letter to President Trump—a nomination letter for the Nobel Peace Prize. Trump was initially taken aback, then thanked him, and called it "extraordinary."

Netanyahu Nominates Trump for the Nobel Peace Prize

The Victory Dinner After the "Midnight Hammer"

According to the White House, this dinner was both a celebration of Trump's order to strike Iran's nuclear facilities and a "strategic review." U.S. National Security Advisor Marco Rubio and Ambassador Steve Witkoff participated in the event throughout. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt stated that the military operation, code-named "Midnight Hammer," had "destroyed Iran's nuclear capabilities" and brought "unprecedented security relief" to the world.

Trump's speech was as usual: "Missiles were launched, and each one was shot down." This statement revealed his boasting about his ability to control war risks. He also added, "We've reached the end," implying that the conflict was under control. Yet, "Has the war really ended?" remained an unrelenting question throughout the dinner and meeting.

The Nobel Prize Nomination: A Political and Personal Conspiration

It is well known that Trump has long desired the Nobel Peace Prize. Whether it was his first term promoting U.S.-North Korea summits or mediating economic agreements between Serbia and Kosovo, his political allies have tirelessly promoted the idea that "Trump deserves the Nobel." This time, Netanyahu's nomination seems to have hit Trump's "soft spot."

Netanyahu said directly: "This is what you deserve; I have submitted the letter to the Nobel Committee." This was undoubtedly the most shining moment of Trump at the evening party. However, Netanyahu's nomination seemed more like a political quid pro quo, especially since Trump has repeatedly publicly defended Netanyahu and even called for the cancellation of his corruption trial.

Previously, New York City mayoral candidate Zahra Mammadani, newly elected, had threatened to enforce an arrest warrant from the International Criminal Court against Netanyahu if he attended the United Nations General Assembly. Although the U.S. and Israel are not members of the International Criminal Court, this statement still caused a brief awkwardness during the dinner. Trump dismissed it with a joke: "I will have him removed. He better behave, or he will be in big trouble."

An Unfinished War: Gaza Talks Looming

Although direct military conflict between Israel and Iran has temporarily come to an end, the war in the Gaza Strip continues. Since October 7, 2023, the war has lasted 21 months, resulting in over 57,000 Palestinian deaths. Trump and his special envoy team are trying to push for a ceasefire agreement in Doha, including a 60-day ceasefire, opening of humanitarian aid channels, and the release of at least 20 out of 50 hostages.

The White House insists that this agreement is the current "top priority in the Middle East." Leavitt said that Witkoff will arrive in Qatar later this week to conduct intensive negotiations with Israel, Hamas, and Qatari representatives.

However, there are many obstacles. Hamas stated that unless the war ends and Israel fully withdraws from Gaza, they will not release the hostages in full. Netanyahu, on the other hand, insisted that the war will only end when Hamas disarms and goes into exile.

This has led to frustration among hostage families, with some protesters gathering in front of Capitol Hill, condemning that "partial release agreements amount to a death sentence for certain hostages."

Trump and Iran: From Hardline to Negotiation

At the dinner, Trump emphasized that "striking Iran's nuclear capabilities was a necessary measure," while also stating his willingness to restart negotiations with Iran for a "permanent agreement." He revealed that Iran had "expressed a desire to meet," and he himself "was willing to participate." However, he also stressed, "I hope we don't have to use military force again."

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, in an interview with American broadcaster Tucker Carlson, stated that the damage caused by the airstrikes was "extremely severe," to the extent that Iranian authorities could not yet enter some damaged nuclear facilities for assessment. Nevertheless, he clearly stated that Iran was willing to resume cooperation with the United Nations Atomic Energy Agency, but whether unlimited inspections would be allowed remained to be negotiated.

The U.S. side, however, firmly claimed that the attack had "set back Iran's nuclear program for years" and destroyed its sole metal conversion center, which was a devastating blow.

A Shaky Victory

Although Trump and Netanyahu's relationship temporarily aligned due to their joint strike on Iran, it was not always in sync. In April this year, Trump publicly stated that he was negotiating with Iran, which greatly annoyed Netanyahu and even led to a temporary freeze in military operations.

Now, in exchange for support and diplomatic achievements, Trump clearly appears to be pressuring Netanyahu to accept a new ceasefire framework. However, the hardliners within Israel, especially the extremist parties in the right-wing alliance, oppose this, and these parties hold the key to Netanyahu's political fate.

Meanwhile, Trump has increasingly shown a "pressure" stance: from demanding full release of the hostages, to calling for an end to the Gaza war, to publicly urging the cancellation of Netanyahu's corruption trial. He is not only shaping the image of a "victor," but also hoping to establish himself as a global peace arbiter, adding momentum to his approval ratings.

The Cost and Reward of Peace

Trump's Nobel Peace Prize nomination came at a time when the war was still ongoing and diplomatic achievements had yet to materialize. This timing makes it seem more like a strong "political show." Trump readily accepted it, even appearing quite pleased, but the outside world remains skeptical:

Will Iran restart its nuclear program? Will Gaza truly cease fire? Will all the hostages be released? Will the international community reassess the credibility of U.S. diplomacy?

The Nobel Peace Prize Committee has not responded to whether the nomination has been accepted, but Trump has already started a publicity campaign. What he needs is not just the award, but global public recognition. Will peace truly arrive? Or will this "peace show" bring real votes for him—this is the most genuine question behind this nomination letter.

Original: https://www.toutiao.com/article/7524504686561378854/

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