Merkel in Israel to improve relations

TEL AVIV, Israel, March 16 (UPI) -- German Chancellor Angela Merkel arrived in Israel Sunday for a three-day visit aimed at improving relations between the two countries.

Greeted by Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert, Merkel and top members of her Cabinet arrived at Tel Aviv's Ben Gurion International airport to start their diplomatic session, Deutsche Welle reported.

The German chancellor will take part in a full intergovernmental conference and help honor the 60th anniversary of the founding of the Jewish state.

In an Internet video message Saturday, Merkel said she plans on offering her country's full support to Israel, The Jerusalem Post said.

"I will raise the issue that a threat facing Israel is also a threat to us," she said in her weekly video posting. "This is particularly the case regarding Iran."

Merkel's trip precedes one this week by U.S. Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz. The presumptive Republican presidential nominee will be followed by U.S. Vice President Dick Cheney, who will arrive Saturday for regional talks.