German Chancellor Angela Merkel left Berlin Sunday at the start of a three-day visit to Israel marking a new phase in relations between the two countries. ( dpa )
The main reason for the trip by the high-powered delegation of cabinet ministers, business leaders and scientists was to mark the 60th anniversary of the founding of the Jewish state.
But the visit also marked the start of annual consultations at cabinet level to be held between the two governments.
After landing in Tel Aviv, Merkel was to visit the grave of David Ben-Gurion in the company of Israeli President Shimon Peres.
Merkel is scheduled to address the Knesset on Tuesday.