Trump Cancels Trip to Israel for Independence Day Festivities
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Jerusalem, April 14 (NationPress) - According to Israeli media reports, US President Donald Trump will not attend Israel's 78th Independence Day celebrations next week due to the ongoing ceasefire negotiations with Iran.
The news outlet Ynet confirmed that Trump will not be present in Israel on Independence Day and will not address the audience, even through a video message.
Back in December, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu revealed that, departing from decades of tradition, the nation plans to honor Trump with the Israel Prize—the highest cultural award in the country.
Netanyahu stated, "We decided to change convention and award the Israel Prize, which has never been given to a non-Israeli in nearly 80 years, to President Trump this year," during a press conference with Trump in Florida on December 29.
The award ceremony is expected to take place during Trump's next visit to Israel.
Ynet also reported that singer Noa Kirl's participation in the event has been postponed. She was set to perform in honor of the American President, with Trump's granddaughters potentially joining her.
While the White House has not officially confirmed Trump's absence, Jerusalem appears to anticipate that, considering the ceasefire timeline with Iran ending on April 21, his chance of attending the ceremony on April 22 is nearly non-existent. However, a video tribute to Trump will be included during the Israel Prize ceremony, with a separate celebration planned for him when he arrives in Israel later.
Furthermore, the report indicated that Argentine President Javier Milay will attend the Israeli Independence Day celebrations, as arrangements for his visit were made prior to the ceasefire agreement with Iran. Milay is expected to arrive in Israel on April 18, coinciding with the Sabbath.