The Mitzva Value of Even Visiting the Land of Israel

[edu]

In chapter 248 of the Shulchan Aruch, there is a particular rabbinic restriction that is relaxed if it conflicts with doing a mitzva.
If you want full background you can hear for example the english lecture at:
http://www.yutorah.org/lectures/lecture.cfm/746315/Rabbi_Ami_Merzel/Siman_248#
that describes the issues in full.
If you just want to hear a translation specifically on the issue I am bringing up jump to 34:10 of the lecture.
The Mishna Brura raises the question can the rabbinic restriction in question be relaxed even when someone wants just to visit in Israel (even by walking as little as 4 cubits) and then return and he concludes; yes! Even this is considered enough of a Mitzva to relax the rabbinic restriction mentioned in chapter 248 of the Shulchan Aruch.
The online lecture of Rabbi Merzel though, claims that you have to have some spiritual purpose, in your short visit to Israel.
I am not saying I agree or disagree with Rabbi Merzel, but I think that point that Rabbi Merzel raised needs further investigation, since the book Eim Habanim Smeicha, brings up the point that according to the Talmud, the idol worshiping King of Israel, Omri got some merit for building a city in the land of Israel even though he had no spiritual intentions in the act.
And Eim Habanim Smeicha also brings the Rashba in support for his view that actions done to build the land of Israel even if done for the intention of a sin, nevertheless have some mitzva value.
If you would like to read the english translation of Eim Habanim Smeicha online go to:
http://www.tsel.org/torah/emhabanim-eng/