Palin gives no reason for not visiting Palestinian occupied Bethlehem during Israel trip

Washington, Mar 22 (ANI): Former Alaska Governor Sarah Palin has not given any reason why she had skipped crossing an Israeli checkpoint to visit the Palestinian occupied territory of Bethlehem during a three-day visit to Jerusalem.

Palin had reportedly come to the checkpoint run by the Israeli border police to the south of Jerusalem on Monday along with her husband Todd, her assistant and Israeli guides, but they drove back without even speaking to the police officers there.

A spokesman for the Israeli police said that there was no incident at the checkpoint, and a spokesman for the Israeli army said that Palin's group had not co-ordinated with them over a visit to the occupied Palestinian territory, The Guardian reports.

Israelis are not normally permitted to enter areas controlled by the Palestinian Authority, like Bethlehem.

Addressing reporters after visiting the holiest site of Judaism, which is believed to have been part of the walls of the Jewish temple destroyed by the Romans in 70AD, Palin said: " 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."

Danny Danon, the Likud party member of the Knesset who invited Palin to Israel and accompanied her to the Western Wall, said Palin was moved by being close to the wall.

"The visit was educational and spiritual. She was a strong friend of Israel and she will become a stronger advocate of Israel in the future. The main purpose of the visit was to get acquainted with Israel and the holy sites. It was her first visit but I am sure she will come again," Danon added. (ANI)