Tel Aviv  - A US Congressional delegation headed by House Speaker Nancy Pelosi arrived in Tel Aviv Friday for a visit marking the 60th anniversary of Israel's founding.

Received by her Israeli counterpart, Knesset (parliament) speaker Dalia Itzik, at Tel Aviv's Ben-Gurion International Airport, the 13-member delegation headed to Jerusalem for a first stop at Israel's Yad Vashem Holocaust memorial museum.

The bipartisan delegation is also scheduled to meet with Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert, President Shimon Peres, Speaker of the Knesset Dalia Itzik, Defence Minister Ehud Barak, and Foreign Minister Tzipi Livni.

On Monday, its members are scheduled to attend a special Israeli cabinet session on Monday. Its members are scheduled to meet

"The creation of Israel stands out as one of the greatest achievements of the 20th century and as a beacon of hope to the world," Pelosi said before arriving in Tel Aviv.

"We pay tribute to the many people, who with pioneering spirits, brave determination, and deep commitment, made the modern state of Israel a reality."

Aside Pelosi, the delegation also includes House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer, Republican Conference Chairman Adam Putnam and the chair- and vice chairmen of the Democratic caucus, Rahm Emanuel and John Larson. (dpa)