JERUSALEM (AP) -- Microsoft says its chief executive is kicking off an international promotional tour for the new Windows 8 operating system in Israel.

Steve Ballmer met with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in Jerusalem on Monday. Later, he was to address a high-tech conference. According to a statement issued by the prime minister's office, Ballmer said it is his fourth time in Israel.

Microsoft maintains a large research and development center in Israel, one of its three largest worldwide. Many global tech giants have sizable research operations in the country.

Microsoft launched Windows 8 just 10 days ago. It also launched its first tablet computer, the Surface.