Netanyahu's Western Wall Prayer Sparks Political Controversy Online

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu attended a large prayer service at the Western Wall on Tuesday night, reciting a prayer for the peace of IDF soldiers. While the event was emotional for attendees, it ignited a firestorm on social media, with critics accusing Netanyahu of using the religious ceremony for political gain.

Businessman Roni Mane launched a sharp attack, claiming Netanyahu's prayer lacked genuine faith. "Listen, Bibi is a great actor. He doesn't believe in God. He thinks the Western Wall is just a piece of history, nothing more," Mane wrote, alleging that Netanyahu "laughs at people who pray to a stone." Mane stated these claims were based on a personal conversation with Netanyahu, expressing his shock at the time. He also observed the crowd's muted reaction, describing it as "very weak" and that "the audience also understood his bluff."

Mane further intensified his criticism, suggesting Netanyahu would pray in Mecca if it guaranteed election victory. "He plays with people's minds. Everyone is exploiting the Western Wall for elections, it's disgusting, it's repulsive," he asserted, dismissing reports of enthusiastic applause as a "lie machine working around the clock."

Journalist Michael Hauser Tov also criticized the event, calling it "disgusting." He questioned how those for whom the ceremony is meaningful could tolerate it being used for an election campaign. "Never mind Netanyahu. His connection to religion is instrumental. It starts and ends with politics. But the worshipers?"