Israel has decided to prohibit a visit to its country by two congressional lawmakers who have been outspoken critics.
President Donald Trump had tweeted earlier on Thursday about Reps. Ilhan Omar (D-Minn.) (shown above, second from left) and Rashida Tlaib (D-Mich.) (far right).
He wrote in his tweet, in part, “It would show great weakness if Israel allowed” the women to visit.
He also noted, based on their long history of charged rhetoric against the country, that “they hate Israel and all Jewish people, and there is nothing that can be said or done to change their minds.”
“Israel has decided — we won’t enable the members of Congress to enter the country,” Israel’s deputy foreign minister Tzipi Hotovely told public broadcaster Kan, as Fox News reported.
“We won’t allow those who deny our right to exist in this world to enter Israel.”
“In principle, this is a very justified decision.”
Related: Omar Will Not Apologize for Her Anti-Semitic Statements
The decision confirms earlier reports that Israeli officials had been leaning in this direction.
The two lawmakers — both members of the so-called Democratic squad in the House, all progressives and liberal leaning — had planned to visit the country this weekend.
The decision on Thursday appears to be a reversal amid concerns connected to the Democrats’ support for boycotts of Israel.
Trump’s tweet earlier on Thursday made clear his position:
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
No surprise, of course, that some prominent Democrats are already blasting the decision on Thursday and what they perceive as Trump’s interference on the issue.
Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), a 2020 candidate for the Democratic nomination, tweeted almost immediately, “Israel doesn’t advance its case as a tolerant democracy or unwavering U.S. ally by barring elected members of Congress from visiting because of their political views. This would be a shameful, unprecedented move. I urge Israel’s government to allow @IlhanMN and@RashidaTlaib entry.”
Israel doesn't advance its case as a tolerant democracy or unwavering US ally by barring elected members of Congress from visiting because of their political views. This would be a shameful, unprecedented move. I urge Israel’s government to allow @IlhanMN and @RashidaTlaib entry.
— Elizabeth Warren (@ewarren) August 15, 2019
Israeli media outlets had reported earlier on the discussions about banning the freshman Democratic lawmakers due to the lawmakers’ support for the anti-Israel Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions (BDS) movement.
Reports had indicated that Israeli Interior Minister Arye Deri had made the decision to block the congresswomen, though other individuals were also weighing in, Fox News noted.
Israeli law declares that those who support boycotts of the country may be denied entry to it. Yet waivers can be granted for diplomatic figures, Haaretz reported.
Share your thoughts on this issue — and see more tweets, commentary and reaction below.
2020 Democrats condemn Israel's decision to ban Omar, Tlaib from visiting country after Trump's urging https://t.co/FMBU48WnVy pic.twitter.com/Mbq6JvIXYD
— The Hill (@thehill) August 15, 2019
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu:
No country in the world respects America and the American Congress more than the State of Israel.As a free and vibrant democracy, Israel is open to critics and criticism
— PM of Israel (@IsraeliPM) August 15, 2019
Nonetheless, if Congresswoman Tlaib submits a humanitarian request to visit her relatives, the Minister of Interior has announced that he will consider her request on the condition that she pledges not to act to promote boycotts against Israel.
— PM of Israel (@IsraeliPM) August 15, 2019
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