Israel to award Obama prestigious medal in visit

Jerusalem, Feb 18 (AP) Israel will award President Barack Obama the country's Presidential Medal of Distinction during his upcoming visit. Israeli President Shimon Peres' office said today that Obama will be recognised for his "unique and significant contribution to strengthening the State of Israel and the security of its citizens." Obama is scheduled to visit Israel in March, his first as president. Obama has often had a tense relationship with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu over the Jewish state's West Bank settlement policies and the lack of peace process with the Palestinians. But Peres and the committee behind the award noted Obama's overall friendship and backing of the Iron Dome missile defence system. Israel's Presidential Medal of Distinction is comparable to the France's "Legion of Honor" or the "Order of Canada." (AP) SAI 02182217 NNNN