The American politician and Tea Party leader, Sarah Palin, is expected to meet Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in Jerusalem today.

Mrs Palin, who arrived in Israel on Sunday after a trip to India, is on a private visit, but her trip has fuelled speculation that she is planning her own White House bid.

The former Alaska governor and 2008 vice-presidential candidate is among several high - profile Republican politicians to have visited Israel this year, including Mike Huckabee and Mitt Romney, the former governors of Arkansas and Massachusetts.

Arriving in Israel as the country marked Purim with parades across Israel, Mrs Palin toured the Old City of Jerusalem and spent time at the Western Wall.

A religious Christian, she said she was grateful for the chance to see Israel.

"Israel is absolutely beautiful and it is overwhelming to see and touch the cornerstone of our faith.

"I'm very thankful to know that the Israeli and American link will grow in strength as we seek peace along with you.”

Mrs Palin’s visit comes two months after she sparked international outrage for complaining of a media "blood libel" against her in the wake of the deadly shootings in Tuscon, Arizona.