German Chancellor Angela Merkel has been awarded Israel's highest civilian award, the "Medal of Distinction."
Israeli President Shimon Peres has granted Merkel the honor at a ceremony in Jerusalem.
"It expresses the high esteem Israel holds for you, for your struggle against anti-semitism and against the denial of the Holocaust. For your contribution to the establishment of Israel and its security, for your contribution to the promotion of peace in the region. For your relentless efforts to build a better world."
Israeli President Shimon Peres (R) kisses visiting German Chancellor Angela Merkel after awarding her with the Presidential Medal of Distinction during a news conference with at Israeli President's Residence in Jerusalem, on Feb. 25, 2014. Merkel met with Israeli President Shimon Peres, who awarded Merkel with the Presidential Medal of Distinction -- the highest civilian order for her unwavering commitment to Israel's security and the fight against anti-Semitism and racism in particular through education, here on Tuesday. Merkel arrived in Israel for a 24-hour visit on Monday evening with 16 ministers from her cabinet. [Photo: Xinhua/Li Rui]
Speaking at the ceremony, Merkel has cautioned that Israel still faces many threats.
"We in Germany cannot forget that the threat to Israel is not abstract but very concrete. The rocket attacks of Hamas and Hezbollah are speaking clearly. Iran was, in the past, openly propagating the destruction of Israel. Under the new leadership the tone has become different, but the acts are still missing. The aim is and remains to prevent Iran from getting nuclear weapons. It must not become a danger for Israel and the region, nor, I say, for Europe and the whole world."
Germany is considered one of Israel's closest European allies.
The two countries hold annual joint Cabinet sessions, which are taking place this week.
