Sarah Palin visits Israel

JERUSALEM, March 21 (UPI) -- Conservative political firebrand Sarah Palin visited the Western Wall tunnels in Jerusalem Sunday and expressed her support for strong U.S.-Israeli ties.

"It's overwhelming to be able to see and touch the cornerstone of our faith," The Jerusalem Post quoted Palin as saying upon leaving the tunnels. "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."

Palin and her husband Todd were to spend more time in Jerusalem's Old City again Monday, tour Gesthsemane and the Mount of Olives.

The Palins also are to have dinner with Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu and his wife Sara at their official residence. Netanyahu has met with several other possible U.S. presidential contenders in recent months.

World Likud Chairman Danny Danon, a member of Israel's Parliament, and Western Wall Rabbi Shmuel Rabinowitz accompanied the Palins on their visit.

Rabinowitz said Palin prayed near the Holy of Holies and left a note with a personal prayer.

"She said that she absolutely supports Israel and that America is the biggest friend that Israel has," Rabinowitz said.

Palin wore a Star of David and told Danon she had flags of Israel "on my desk, in my home, all over the place," the Post said.

"She didn't go into diplomatic issues, but I can clearly say from the questions she asked in relation to our conflict here with the Muslims in these holy sites that she knows that we are right and that the Muslims are just claiming things for provocation and they're not right," Danon said.