A Provocative Alliance: Marco Rubio's Visit with Netanyahu to the Western Wall Sparks Controversy

The recent visit of U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio to occupied Jerusalem, accompanied by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, and their participation in Jewish religious rituals at the Western Wall, has ignited a firestorm of outrage and condemnation across social media platforms. Many activists and commentators viewed the act as a blatant provocation to the feelings of Muslims and a desecration of the sanctity of Al-Aqsa Mosque.

During their tour, Rubio and Netanyahu inaugurated a new 600-meter tunnel beneath the Old City. The tunnel extends from the southern edges of the Wadi Hilweh neighborhood in Silwan to the foundations of the Western Wall, west of Al-Aqsa Mosque. This move has been widely criticized as part of an ongoing effort to Judaize the area.

Following the visit, Netanyahu, who is wanted by the International Criminal Court, stated in the presence of U.S. Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee that Rubio's participation in the rituals reflects the "strength of the Israeli-American alliance." He described Rubio as an "exceptional friend," adding that the relationship between the two sides has "never been stronger." These remarks were interpreted by many as a clear sign of unwavering U.S. support for Israel.

On social media, the visit was met with intense anger. Activists described Rubio and Netanyahu’s performance of "Talmudic rituals" as a manifestation of a "doctrinal and religious war," lamenting what they called the "deep negligence" of the Islamic world. Commentators stressed that Rubio’s participation was not mere traditional solidarity but a direct message of support for the Israeli occupation.

Online users drew parallels to previous statements by U.S. officials, such as Blinken's "I came as a Jew," and contrasted them with Rubio wearing a yarmulke and performing rituals. They questioned whether Arabs and Muslims truly grasp the significance of these recurring messages. Another user commented, "America and Israel are two sides of the same coin; what happened is a clear message: We are one entity, and the rest are followers."

Bloggers also questioned the timing of the U.S. Secretary of State's visit and the religious rituals, asking if it carried a hidden political message, especially since such rituals are often followed by major events, as was the case before the "Pager Bomb" operation against Lebanese Hezbollah elements. They emphasized that Rubio’s visit was more than traditional solidarity; it was an attempt to recalibrate the pace of the war to serve U.S. interests, particularly amid fears of Israel’s isolation or its causing long-term strategic damage.