US to Admit Israel Into Visa Waiver Program

SEP 26 2023·Updated AUG 27

Story

Image credit: Office of the President of the United States [via Wikimedia Commons]

The Facts

The Biden admin. is set to admit Israel into the Visa Waiver Program (VWP) which will grant Israeli citizens the ability to travel to the United States without a US Visa. Homeland Security Sec. Alejandro Mayorkas will announce the decision Thursday.
The Associated Press
Israeli Foreign Minister Eli Cohen announced that Israel was joining the program Monday, calling it a "diplomatic achievement and good news for all Israeli citizens." However, a US Dept. of State spokesman said a final decision has yet to be reached.
Reuters
Cohen’s announcement was reportedly characterized as "premature" and caused the consternation of US officials, but the timing of the statement is unlikely to affect the imminent decision. Cohen also said that all Israelis will be able to access a $21 form that will allow them to secure a visa online within 72 hours.
The Jerusalem Post
Israel is likely to officially enter the program in November, and its admittance has been held up over concerns about its treatment of Palestinian and Arab Americans. Critics question whether Israel will reciprocate the same travel privileges to American citizens, which is a crucial part of the program.
Al Jazeera
Israel has separate entry requirements for Palestinian Americans, which has drawn criticism. However, Israel has met the two other criteria for Visa Waiver Program approval — a low percentage of visa application rejections and a low visa overstay; Israel has also pledged to ease movement for Palestinian Americans traveling in the Gaza Strip.
ABC News
Israel has been running a pilot program since July 20 that tested loosened restrictions for Palestinian Americans. Its admittance into the Visa Waiver Program will make it the 41st country to enter the exclusive program.
Reuters

Sources Split

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The Spin

Pro-Israel narrative

It's about time that Israel is admitted into the Visa Waiver Program. Israel and the US are great allies, and the bond between these two nations should extend beyond diplomatic ties and to each nation's respective populations. There are 40 countries that are already part of the program, and political disagreements shouldn’t prohibit Israeli citizens from receiving travel accommodations that many other people receive. Israel is committed to treating everyone with an American passport equally, and the US shouldn’t punish ordinary Israelis for disagreements at the governmental level.

AJC

Anti-Israel narrative

If Israel wants to receive special travel privileges for its citizens, then it must abide by the rules of the Visa Waiver Program and reciprocate the easing of entry requirements. Americans are Americans regardless of their ethnic or religious background, yet Israel has singled out Palestinian Americans and created discriminatory requirements. Israel has not demonstrated its commitment to respect the US’s rules and shouldn’t be admitted into this program.