Mr. Obama is often criticized over his administration's policy over Israel, was lauded with praise by Peres' office saying, "President Obama has made a unique and meaningful contribution to strengthening the state of Israel and the security of its people."

"Barack Obama is a true friend of the state of Israel and has been since the beginning of his public life. As president of the United States he has stood beside Israel in times of crisis," it added.

Israel's presidential medal of distinction is awarded to individuals and organizations that have contributed to Israeli society and Israel's image in the world. The White House has yet to announce specific dates for the visit, the first to Israel and the West Bank as president.

Israeli media reports and a Palestinian official have said that it will run from March 20-22 and take in talks with both Israeli and Palestinian leaders in Jerusalem and Ramallah.

The White House has kept expectations deliberately low, saying President Obama has no plans to use the trip to push new proposals to break the more than two-year deadlock in peace talks.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has said that his talks with Obama would focus on Iran's nuclear program, the conflict in Syria and long-stalled stalled peace talks with the Palestinians.