Merkel on Israel visit

Jerusalem: German Chancellor Angela Merkel began a three-day visit to Israel on Sunday to strengthen ties with the Jewish state.

The visit will be highlighted by a historic address to the Israeli parliament, where Merkel is expected to stress Germany's deep commitment to defending Israel and its right to exist, a spokesman said.

Merkel arrives at a time of heightened tensions between Israel and the Palestinians, whose efforts to make peace by the end of the year have been seriously compromised by resurgent violence and Israeli construction on lands the Palestinians claim for a future state.

The chancellor is not scheduled to meet with Palestinian leaders during the visit.