Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar announced Tuesday the establishment of a public committee to award special honors to foreign citizens who have made exceptional contributions to Israel. The committee, headed by Foreign Ministry Director-General Eden Bar Tal, will submit recommendations within 30 days, with the first honors to be awarded during 2026.
Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar announced Tuesday the establishment of a public committee tasked with creating a new framework for awarding special honors to foreign citizens who have made exceptional contributions to Israel, the Jewish people, Israel's foreign relations, or the promotion of its values and interests. The committee is chaired by Foreign Ministry Director-General Eden Bar Tal and includes Dalit Stauber, former Education Ministry director-general; Dr. Ofir Haivri, a member of the Council for Higher Education; and Naor Gil'on, head of the Public Diplomacy Division at the Foreign Ministry. The committee will define criteria, selection procedures, and award categories, and is to submit its recommendations within 30 days. The first honors are expected to be conferred during 2026. This is the first time Israel will award a dedicated decoration exclusively to foreign citizens, marking a new diplomatic tool for recognizing allies and supporters.
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