Isreali officials have decided to ban U.S. Congresswomen Rashida Tlaib and Ilhan Omar from entering the country ahead of a planned visit to the West Bank and East Jerusalem, Vox reported Thursday.
The decision stemmed from Tlaib and Omar’s vocal support for the BDS (Boycott, Divest, and Sanctions) movement.
The movement aims to erode support for Israel over its policies towards Palestinians, which include continued construction of settlements in the West Bank, considered to be in violation of international law. Both Reps. Omar and Tlaib voted against a House resolution condemning the BDS movement that received broad bipartisan support, and that Tlaib called “unconstitutional” on Twitter, CNN reported .
RELATED STORIES
Israel has a law allowing it to deny entry to anyone backing the BDS movement.
Israel’s ambassador to the U.S., Ron Dermer, had previously said that the pair’s visit would likely go ahead as planned.
“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,” he said , according to Politico.
However, Israel’s Interior Minister, Arye Deri, who approves all visas, later decided to deny Omar and Tlaib’s visit all the same.
The matter made it to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s desk for the final decision.
As Vox reported, Israel’s Deputy Foreign Minister Tzipi Hotovely confirmed that Reps. Omar and Tlaib would indeed be barred from Israel.
Former U.S. Ambassador to Israel Dan Shapiro criticized the change in stance on Twitter.
“Original Israeli decision to allow Tlaib/Omar visit was wise,” he tweeted . “Reversal makes little sense. I disagree with their stands on Israel, have criticized them. But zero harm in letting them come learn, see (even if they had an agenda). Reversal harms Israel’s standing in US, boosts BDS.”
President Trump voiced his support for banning the pair on Twitter as well.
“It would show great weakness if Israel allowed Rep. Omar and Rep.Tlaib to visit,” he wrote . “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!”
h/t: Vox , Reuters , CNN , The Independent
