Pope calls for Palestinian state upon arrival in Israel, plunging right in to Mideast politics

Pope calls for Palestinian state in Israel

TEL AVIV, Israel — Pope Benedict XVI has called for the establishment of an independent Palestinian state, immediately plunging into Middle East politics upon his arrival in Israel.

That position could put him at odds with his Israeli hosts.

The pope also pledged to “honor the memory” of the 6 million Jewish victims of the Holocaust, speaking at the airport after he landed.

Benedict has had to tread carefully on his Middle East visit after coming under sharp criticism from both Muslims and Jews for past statements.

He hopes his weeklong trip to the Holy Land, which began with three days in neighboring Jordan, will improve interfaith ties.

THIS IS A BREAKING NEWS UPDATE. Check back soon for further information. AP’s earlier story is below.

TEL AVIV, Israel (AP) — Pope Benedict XVI has arrived in Israel on an emotion-charged visit to the Holy Land hoping to improve relations with Jews and Muslims.

Benedict landed at Israel’s international airport in Tel Aviv on Monday after spending three days in neighboring Jordan.

Israeli leaders, including President Shimon Peres and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, are gathered at the airport for a welcoming ceremony.

During his five-day visit, the pope will tour Israel’s national Holocaust memorial and visit holy sites in Israel and the Palestinian territories.

The visit has generated some controversy in Israel because the pope spent time in the Hitler Youth corps as a youth. Benedict has said he was coerced.