Cuomo, Albany delegation to visit Israel this week

Gov. Andrew Cuomo announced Sunday that he will be leading a state delegation to Israel this week.

Cuomo, Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver, state senators Dean Skelos and Jeffrey Klein and other Albany officials will fly to the region for a two-day "unity trip" tomorrow. They will meet with Israeli officials and New Yorkers in the country who have been affected by the ongoing violence.

"New York has always had a special relationship with Israel. As Hamas and other terrorist organizations continue to threaten Israel, now is the time to deliver that message of solidarity in person," Cuomo said in a statement.

Last month, former Mayor Michael Bloomberg defied FAA orders for Americans not to fly into the country and met with leaders for a day trip.