Israel’s deputy foreign minister said the government has decided to bar two United States Democratic congresswomen who support the Palestinian-led boycott movement from entering the country next week.
Tzipi Hotovely told Israel Radio in an interview, on Thursday, that “Israel has decided not to allow” Reps. Rashida Tlaib of Michigan and Ilhan Omar of Minnesota to visit as planned.
“The decision has been made, the decision is not to allow them to enter,” Hotovely told Israel’s Reshet Radio. Hotovely said it is in keeping with a policy of denying entry to those who advocate boycotts of Israel.
The newly-elected Muslim members of Congress are outspoken critics of Israel’s treatment of the Palestinians.
Tlaib’s family immigrated to the United States from the West Bank. Omar has been accused of anti-Semitism for previous remarks about Israel, but has apologized for her incendiary comments.
READ ALSO: Microsoft discovers dangerous security flaws in Windows 10
Israel has sought to combat the so-called BDS movement, which advocates boycotts, divestment and sanctions against Israeli businesses, universities and cultural institutions.
The country passed a law permitting a ban on entry to any activist who “knowingly issues a call for boycotting Israel.”
Last month, Israeli ambassador to the U.S. Ron Dermer said Israel would not deny entry to any member of Congress.
On Thursday morning, President Trump expressed support for banning Tlaib and Omar from Israel on Twitter.
“It would show great weakness if Israel allowed Rep. Omar and Rep.Tlaib to visit,” Mr. Trump 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!”
Israel bars entry to outspoken U.S. Congresswomen Ilhan Omar and Rashida Tlaib, deputy foreign minister says
Israel’s deputy foreign minister said the government has decided to bar two U.S. Democratic congresswomen who support the Palestinian-led boycott movement from entering the country next week. Tzipi Hotovely told Israel Radio in an interview Thursday that “Israel has decided not to allow” Reps. Rashida Tlaib of Michigan and Ilhan Omar of Minnesota to visit as planned.
“The decision has been made, the decision is not to allow them to enter,” Hotovely told Israel’s Reshet Radio. Hotovely said it is in keeping with a policy of denying entry to those who advocate boycotts of Israel.
Israel has sought to combat the so-called BDS movement, which advocates boycotts, divestment and sanctions against Israeli businesses, universities and cultural institutions.
The country passed a law permitting a ban on entry to any activist who “knowingly issues a call for boycotting Israel.”
Last month, Israeli ambassador to the U.S. Ron Dermer said Israel would not deny entry to any member of Congress. (CBS)