ATLANTA (AP) Gov. Nathan Deal is heading to Israel for a trade mission that will include visits to historical sites and meetings with government and business officials. <br />
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The delegation leaves Friday and will return the following Thursday. <br />
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Deal says he and other members of the delegation will be promoting Georgia and exploring opportunities for additional investments in the state by Israeli companies. <br />
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Deal says such trade missions can pay ``huge dividends'' in that companies decide where to move or to expand ``based on feeling comfortable and knowing the leadership that is in place.'' <br />
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Deal has meetings scheduled with the mayor of Jerusalem, representatives of the Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs and officials with several Israeli-based companies. <br />
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State officials are also planning a reception for Israeli business executives to highlight the state.
