February 5, 2013

(JTA) — Israeli military chief Benny Gantz was awarded the Legion of Merit by the United States for meritorious military service.

Gantz accepted the award on Tuesday during his five-day visit to the United States at the invitation of his U.S. counterpart, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Martin Dempsey. On behalf of President Obama, Dempsey presented Gantz with the award.

An attached letter signed by Dempsey and the U.S. secretary of defense, Leon Panetta, said Gantz was recognized for his outstanding and noteworthy command, and for his military service.

Gantz accepted the award on behalf of Israeli soldiers and commanders, and said it represented the strong relationship between the U.S. and Israeli militaries, according to the Israel Defense Forces.

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