US president has long expressed frustration over not receiving the prize, especially after rival Barack Obama was awarded one in his first term; a personal letter of recommendation from the premier moved him, though nominations for this year's edition closed in January

Primary sticking point reportedly involves Israel’s plan to retain control over a narrow stretch of land in southern Gaza known as the Morag Corridor, a military route running just south of Khan Younis 

Internal assessments show officials raised urgent concerns about the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation’s safety practices and lack of oversight—just days before political appointees fast-tracked a $30 million grant to the group

Troufanov, who spent 498 days in captivity, was freed as part of the most recent hostage deal; Cohen, abducted with him from his family's home in Kibbutz Nir Oz, was released in November 2023 along with Troufanov’s mother, Yelena, and grandmother, Irina

Northern Gaza campaign intensifies after deaths of 5 soldiers in Hamas ambush, expanding efforts to dismantle terror infrastructure above and below ground; pressure from ceasefire talks growing as Israel debates whether to hold on to the strategic Morag Corridor

Prime minister tells Fox News that US and Israel must treat Iran as a 'cancer' that requires continuous monitoring; says Israel knows where enriched uranium is hidden

Soldier shot dead during ambush in Khan Younis after Hamas terrorists emerged from underground and tried to abduct him; security forces open fire, killing or injuring several attackers and preventing kidnapping; incident under investigation