And people thought Mitt was an absentee governor.

Governor Deval L. Patrick, who traveled to China last year for his first foreign trade mission, is headed to Israel for his second international excursion, according to several people familiar with the plans.

Nancy Kaufman, executive director of the Jewish Community Relations Council of Greater Boston, said the trip, slated for the week of Nov. 9, will include stops in Haifa, Jerusalem, and Tel Aviv and last about four days.

"There are just enormous opportunities that exist," said Kaufman, whose organization is helping plan the trip.

The governor's office acknowledged it has been considering such a trip.

"While no announcements have been made, Israel would be a logical destination," Cyndi Roy, a Patrick spokeswoman, said in a written statement. "Massachusetts and Israel share a common commitment to creating economic opportunities and innovative medical discovery by growing the life sciences industry."

Kaufman and other officials said Patrick is eager to use the visit to build ties to Israel's life sciences and clean energy industries, which Patrick sees as vital to the Bay State's future growth.

In June, Patrick signed a $1 billion life sciences package, which provides money for research facilities, economic incentives for companies to expand and other funding for the life sciences industry. And the state has recently taken a number of steps to promote the alternative energy industries in Massachusetts, including the creation of a Clean Energy Technology Center, which will fund job training, research and start-ups.

Don't forget his planned visit to Washington, D.C. in January 2009!

UPDATE: More from the Herald and Time.

SECOND UPDATE: More from the Herald and Globe.

THIRD UPDATE: From Politicker and the Boston Herald.