US Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney has begun a visit to Israel as part of his foreign tour.

Mr Romney arrived in Tel Aviv on Saturday evening and is due to meet Israeli leaders and give a speech on foreign policy, BBC reports.

He is expected to pledge closer ties between the US and Israel if elected.
The first leg of Mr Romney's trip, in London, was marred by controversy when he questioned whether the city was ready to host the Olympic Games.

After talking of "disconcerting" signs in London's preparations, Mr Romney backtracked and predicted a "very successful" Olympics.

Mr Romney will meet Israeli Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu, who is a personal friend of Mr Romney's, and President Shimon Peres.

A meeting with Palestinian Prime Minister Salam Fayyad is also scheduled, though not with Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas.

Mr Romney will be hoping that burnishing his pro-Israel credentials will help him among key constituencies in a tight race with President Barack Obama, analysts say.

Mr Romney says that Mr Obama has undermined Israel and supported its enemies.