Air Berlin to start flights to Israel in July

JERUSALEM, May 20 (Reuters) - Air Berlin (AB1.DE) said on Wednesday it was expanding its route network with flights between Germany and Israel starting on July 7.

Germany's second-largest carrier said it would offer two non-stop flights between Berlin and Tel Aviv and passengers will be able to connect to other German cities.

The announcement comes less than a month after larger rival Lufthansa (LHAG.DE) relaunched four weekly flights between Munich and Tel Aviv, adding to the two flights a day it already offers between Tel Aviv and Frankfurt.

Earlier this year, Israel and Germany renegotiated a new transportation deal giving Israeli flag carrier El Al (ELAL.TA) more slots in Germany and permission for German airlines to boost capacity to Israel.

(Reporting by Steven Scheer; editing by Elaine Hardcastle)