In an exclusive interview with Israel’s Channel 14, President Donald Trump confirmed that he plans to visit Israel in April to receive the Israel Prize on Independence Day. Asked directly whether he expects to arrive soon to accept the award, Trump replied: “Yes, it looks like it.”
The visit would mark a major symbolic moment for Israel-US ties and would formalize an initiative led by Education Minister Yoav Kisch, who had reportedly sent an official invitation to the White House weeks ago.
During the interview, Trump also addressed Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s ongoing trial and sharply attacked President Isaac Herzog over the issue of a possible pardon. Trump said he does not understand why Herzog has not intervened and claimed Herzog had previously suggested he would pardon Netanyahu. He described Herzog as weak and argued that Netanyahu should be focused on the war, not on legal proceedings.
Trump was also asked about rising tensions with Iran and the ultimatum he has reportedly issued to Tehran. When questioned on whether Iran’s oil and gas infrastructure could become targets in the next phase, Trump refused to answer directly and maintained deliberate ambiguity. He also declined to say whether he is considering taking control of Iranian oil facilities to force Tehran to cover the cost of America’s war effort.
