Israel is becoming a hotbed for web-based startups, and the connections between Israel and Silicon Valley are getting stronger as these startups receive more funding and become more prominent in the tech community, looking for global growth. To help promote such growth, the California Israel Chamber of Commerce is organizing the IsraelWebTour, which is the first Internet competition, bringing 15 Israeli startups to Silicon Valley. The IsraelWebTour takes place next week, with the public showcase being hosted by Microsoft and held on Feb 6th, 2008. You can get your ticket here, and enter code "IWT2008" for a $25 discount. See here for an interview with Deb Schultz and Shuly Galili for the upcoming Web Tour. Here's a list of the 15 startups that will be present at the showcase: 5min PLYmedia AllofMe NuConomy ClickTale blogTV.com Sportingo PicScout Qoof 8hands Velingo Erayo Semingo PageOnce Journeys