Israeli agriculture minister announces mass 'rain prayer' day at Western Wall

“Save your effort. There is no God and he won't bring down much rain. It will be more efficient if you worry about adding more desalination plants.”

But Mr Ariel defended the move in a radio interview, saying that the ministry had increased funds for desalination and aid for farmers.

“Many people do believe in prayer, including me,” he said.

“So whoever wants to pray is welcome, and those who don't believe in it, should be healthy as well. We're not forcing anyone and with God's help, there'll be rain.”

The call came at the end of a relatively rainy week in Israel, but the country’s meteorological service said there was a 47 per cent chance of lower-than-average rainfall between December and February.