Trump did not win the Nobel Prize, but some in Israel consider him a savior

As tens of thousands of Israelis gathered in what became known as Tel Aviv’s Hostage Square on Saturday, a large black banner was unfurled. Above the bright yellow letters it says: “Nobel Prize for President Trump.”

It was open praise for the US president, who has yet to win the most prestigious peace prize after publicly campaigning for it, and who many Israelis credit with pushing through a ceasefire that promises the return of the remaining 48 hostages still in Gaza, 20 of whom are believed to be alive.

He said: “We believe that he worked hard for peace… and we are waiting to thank him.” Miriam Ben-Yehuda, who spoke to CBC News from Sderot, Israel, at a lookout point where the ruins of Gaza can be seen from a distance.

“We need him to continue to do everything he can to make sure this deal actually happens.”

Trump is expected to arrive in Israel on Monday morning to address the Knesset, and is likely to enjoy, if only briefly, the admiration heaped upon him.

“Strong approach”

Along the main highway linking Tel Aviv to Jerusalem, American flags are plastered on lampposts alongside Israeli ones.

In central Tel Aviv, an electronic billboard compares Trump to Cyrus the Great, who according to the Bible is credited with liberating the Jews from Babylon.

In the hostage yard, there is another sign comparing him to him Oskar Schindlerwho is credited with saving the lives of approximately 1,200 Jews by putting them to work in factories in occupied Poland.

As Rami Lador stands in Tel Aviv, he does not make any historical comparisons, but rather carries the American flag as a sign of appreciation for what he described as Trump’s strong approach.

“When Trump said all hell will break loose, he was actually sending a message to extremists on both sides, on the Israeli side and the Hamas side,” said Ladore, who spoke to CBC News on Saturday evening.

Trump has warned Several times He is ready to unleash hell if Hamas does not agree to release the hostages.

Earlier this month, He repeated this threat When he warned Hamas that it would be better for it to accept his peace plan.

While some far-right politicians in Israel voted against accepting the agreement on Thursday, Trump was able to pressure Netanyahu to approve it.

After Israel launched an airstrike on Doha, Qatar, in September, Trump publicly expressed his dissatisfaction.

Netanyahu was accused

When Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu visited the White House later that same month, Trump and Qatari Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani participated in a three-way call in which Netanyahu expressed his regret for the attack.

The call took place in the Oval Office, and a photo published of the event showed Netanyahu picking up the phone while surrounded by high-ranking American officials.

After that call, momentum built again around negotiations.

While Trump is being praised for what appears to be a major diplomatic victory, it is his special envoy Steven Wyckoff who frequently crisscrosses the Middle East, laying the groundwork for the talks.

Speaking in Tel Aviv on Saturday evening, he praised the Israeli people for their “unwavering spirit” and Trump’s “bold leadership.”

He then moved on to thank the other leaders for their tireless efforts, but when he mentioned Netanyahu, the crowd booed loudly, temporarily preventing Witkopf from continuing his speech.

While Trump is praising the deal, many hostage families and Israelis blame Netanyahu for not being able to secure their early release and continuing the country’s war on Hamas.