IDF Chief of Staff Lt.-Gen. Eyal Zamir awarded US Air Defense Battery Captain Nathan John Pernot and several other battery commanders with an IDF Certificate of Appreciation during Thursday's situational assessment, the military confirmed on Friday.
The award was presented in the presence of other members of the IDF's General Staff.
"The Certificate of Appreciation was awarded by the IDF in recognition of the commander, his soldiers, and the entire US air defense contingent deployed in Israel throughout the war for their service and significant contribution," the IDF said in a Friday morning statement.
It noted that over the past few years, the IDF and US Army have "demonstrated a level of partnership, professionalism, and innovation unmatched in modern warfare."
The partnership, the IDF added, made a unique contribution to Israel's defense.
Zamir marks 1,000 days since Oct. 7
Also during Thursday's assessment, Zamir marked 1,000 days since the October 7 massacre.
"Today marks 1,000 days since the outbreak of the longest war in our history, a war that began with a grave failure and the worst tragedy in the history of the State of Israel.
"Iran continues to be the primary focus of our preparedness. We are currently in an interim period across all theaters of operation. All arenas remain active at varying levels of intensity, and each is undergoing defining developments."
He added that soldiers should be Israel's "priority," following the advancement of a bill in the Knesset that reportedly equates Torah study with army service.
"The soldiers and commanders, whether in mandatory, career, or reserve service, are the State of Israel’s most important resource," Zamir asserted.
"It is fitting and proper that they be first in the order of priorities to receive the nation’s appreciation through its decisions and allocation of resources, by caring for them, their families, and their future.”
Corinne Baum and Leo Feierberg Better contributed to this report.