Sarah Palin, the former US vice-presidential candidate, visited a Jewish holy site in Jerusalem after arriving in Israel.
Mrs Palin arrived in Israel on Sunday after visiting India. The trip has raised speculation she is honing her foreign policy credentials before a potential run for the US presidency next year.
Mrs Palin, who was John McCain's running mate in his failed 2008 campaign for president, rarely travels abroad and has been criticised for a weak foreign policy record.
Although the trip is private, she is to meet with Benjamin Netanyahu, the Israeli prime minister, on Monday.
"As the world confronts sweeping changes and new realities, I look forward to meeting with Prime Minister Netanyahu to discuss the key issues facing his country, our ally Israel," Palin said in a statement.
Mrs Palin toured holy sites in Jerusalem's Old City Sunday evening as Israelis celebrated the Jewish festival of Purim.
"Israel is absolutely beautiful and it is overwhelming to see and touch the cornerstone of our faith and I am so grateful to get to be here," she said. "I'm very thankful to know that the Israeli and American link will grow in strength as we seek peace along with you," Palin said.
She visited the Western Wall, a retaining wall of the compound where the biblical temples stood 2,000 years ago and which is now the holiest place where Jews can pray.
The Al-Aqsa Mosque compound, Islam's third-holiest site, was built in the seventh century atop the ruins.
She returns to the US on Tuesday.
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/sarah-palin/8394491/Sarah-Palin-tours-Israel.html
Palin at Temple Mount expresses support for Jews
The former American vice presidential candidate prayed at the Temple Mount on a visit to the Old City of Jerusalem on Sunday.
Palin and her husband Todd were in the city on a two-day visit.
On Sunday afternoon they toured the Western Wall and its adjacent tunnels.
On Monday their journey will include a visit to the Garden of Gesthsemane and the Mount of Olives.
A dinner has also been arranged with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at his official residence in Jerusalem.
Palin, a possible candidate for the Republican presidential nomination, was shown around by World Likud chairman and Likud MK Danny Danon and Western Wall Rabbi Shmuel Rabinowitz.
At the Temple Mount, Palin told Jerusalem Post: "It’s overwhelming to be able to see and touch the cornerstone of our faith. I’m so thankful to be able to be here, and I’m thankful to know the Israel-American connection will grow and strengthen as the peace negotiations continue."
At one stage she was told that Jews were not allowed to pray openly on the Temple Mount due to previous Arab riots.
She responded by asking her guides: "Why are you apologizing all the time?"
Palin prayed at the point closest to the Holy of Holies and left a note with a personal prayer.
Palin, wearing a large Star of David, told her hosts that she had flags of Israel "on my desk, in my home, all over the place."
http://www.israelnews.net/story/758113/ht/Palin-at-Temple-Mount-expresses-support-for-Jews
The Palins visit the Netanyahus
