New York Governor Andrew Cuomo and top state legislators are heading to Israel this week for a two-day visit to show "solidarity'' during that country's conflict in Gaza.
Cuomo, Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver and Senate co-leaders Dean Skelos and Jeff Klein will travel to Israel on Tuesday. Cuomo announced the trip Sunday, saying the delegation would meet with Israeli leaders and visit residents affected by the fighting.
Cuomo says New York has a "special relationship'' with Israel and he's proud to be leading the bipartisan visit to "reaffirm our friendship and support.''
Cuomo, Silver and Klein are Democrats. Skelos is a Republican.
Others joining them include Cuomo's brother-in-law, designer Kenneth Cole, and publisher Mort Zuckerman.