Air Berlin said on Wednesday it was expanding its route network with flights between Germany and Israel starting 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 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 more slots in Germany and permission for German airlines to boost capacity to Israel.