Israel is to bar US Democratic congresswomen Ilhan Omar and Rashida Tlaib from entering the country over their support for the BDS boycott movement.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu confirmed the move, which reversed an earlier pledge to permit entry to the politicians, on Thursday afternoon.
“Israel's law prohibits the entry of people who call and operate to boycott Israel, as is the case with other democracies that prevent the entry of people whose perception harms the country,” he said in a statement.
“Only a few days ago, we received their [Ilhan Olmar and Rashida Tlaib] visitation plan, and it became clear that they were planning a campaign whose sole purpose was to strengthen the boycott and negate Israel's legitimacy.”
David Friedman, the US ambassador in Israel, welcomed the decision.
“This trip, pure and simple, is nothign more than an effort to fuel the BDS engine that Congresswomen Tlaib and Omar so vigorously support.”
The pro-Israel lobbying group Aipac said it disagreed with Ms Omar and Ms Tlaib’s support for the BDS movement, but added: “We also believe every member of Congress should be able to visit and experience our democratic ally Israel firsthand.”
The US politicians were planning a congressional trip that would have covered both Israel and the West Bank, beginning this Saturday.
Under Israeli law, the authorities can deny entry to individuals who support boycott movements, although the Foreign Ministry can request waivers for political or diplomatic figures whose refusal could harm Israeli foreign relations.
Ron Dermer, the Israeli ambassador in Washington, had said in July: “out of respect for the U.S. Congress and the great alliance between Israel and America, we would not deny entry to any member of Congress into Israel.”
But it appears that in this case a waiver has not been issued for Ms Omar or Ms Tlaib.
It’s official: Israel will bar Congresswomen @RashidaTlaib and @IlhanMN from entering Israel due to "suspected provocations and promotion of BDS” at this time the final decision is been drafted and passed for comments before a press release. https://t.co/YikKaKe97g
— Dana Weiss (@danawt) August 15, 2019
There was speculation that the decision may have been in response to US President Donald Trump, who Channel 13 News reported had “expressed disappointment” over Mr Netanyahu's earlier decision to allow the congresswomen into the country.
Mr Trump tweeted on Thursday that it would be a demonstration of “great weakness” if Israel allowed the congresswomen to visit.
It would show great weakness if Israel allowed Rep. Omar and Rep.Tlaib to visit. They hate Israel & all Jewish people, & there is nothing that can be said or done to change their minds. Minnesota and Michigan will have a hard time putting them back in office. They are a disgrace!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) August 15, 2019
