U.S. President George W. Bush, left, talks with Israeli President Shimon Peres, Wednesday, May 14, 2008 during a meeting in the garden of the President's residence in Jerusalem. (AP Photo/Susan Walsh)

Tel Aviv, Israel (AP) President Bush has opened a celebratory visit to israel where he'll make a new push for peace in the long-troubled Middle East.

The president arrived in Tel Aviv and is flying by helicopter to Jerusalem for events marking the 60th anniversary of Israel's birth in the wake of the Nazi genocide of 6 million Jews.

Bush also will visit Saudi Arabia and Egypt.

Bush says America and Israel both faced great challenges when they were founded. He also says they have “built an enduring alliance to confront terrorists and tyrants.”