Israel may block visit by Rashida Tlaib and Ilhan Omar
Two Democratic lawmakers with plans to visit Israel in the coming days may not be allowed to do so.
Reps. Rashida Tlaib (D-Mich.) and Ilhan Omar (D-Minn.), two members of the "squad" that President Trump has feuded with, have a trip to Israel scheduled for Aug. 18 through Aug. 22nd. But CNN cites a government official as saying "there is a possibility that Israel will not allow the visit in its current proposed format."
This reported decision would be over the two lawmakers' support for the boycott of Israel movement of BDS, or Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions, which Tlaib and Omar voted against a condemnation of. Israel has implemented a law blocking travel visas to foreign nationals who support a boycott.
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Congressional Democrats have now "quietly braced for a new public fight" with Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu should entry to the two lawmakers be denied, reports The Washington Post, adding that it's unclear whether the decision will be followed through on after Wednesday backlash. The Post points out that Israeli Ambassador to the U.S. Ron Dermer said just last month that Israel would not deny any U.S. lawmakers entry due to its "respect for the U.S. Congress and the great alliance between Israel and America."
Were Israel to deny Tlaib and Omar entry, it seems Trump would be pleased, as Axios recently reported that the president has told his advisers he thinks the two lawmakers should be prevented from visiting the country, and his "private views have reached the top level of the Israeli government." The White House denied issuing a directive to Israel.
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Brendan worked as a culture writer at The Week from 2018 to 2023, covering the entertainment industry, including film reviews, television recaps, awards season, the box office, major movie franchises and Hollywood gossip. He has written about film and television for outlets including Bloody Disgusting, Showbiz Cheat Sheet, Heavy and The Celebrity Cafe.
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