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Israel may bar entry to two Muslim Democratic congresswomen
At issue is Omar and Tlaib’s support for a boycott against Israel, which they voiced during congressional debates. Israel has prevented activists from the Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions movement from entering the country, turning some away after they landed at the airport.
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(L-R) U.S. Rep. Ayanna Pressley (D-MA) speaks as Reps. Rashida Tlaib (D-MI), Ilhan Omar (D-MN) and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY) listen during a news conference at the U.S. Capitol on July 15, 2019 in Washington, D.C. President Donald Trump stepped up attacks on the four progressive Democratic congresswomen, saying that if they're not happy in the U.S., (AFP/Alex Wroblewski/Getty Images)
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srael is considering barring Democratic Congresswomen Ilhan Omar (D-Minn.) and Rashida Tlaib (D-Mich.) from visiting during a trip scheduled to start this weekend, people familiar with the matter said, declining to be identified because of its sensitivity.
At issue is Omar and Tlaib’s support for a boycott against Israel, which they voiced during congressional debates. Israel has prevented activists from the Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions movement from entering the country, turning some away after they landed at the airport.
The prime minister held consultations Wednesday with top ministers to decide whether the visit should be banned and professional and legal teams are examining their decision today, said one person, who added that there is a possibility that Israel won’t allow the visit in its current format.
A decision to ban the congresswomen would likely escalate Israel’s growing rift with the Democratic Party, which has become increasingly critical of the Israeli government under Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, a firm ally of President Donald Trump. One person familiar with the matter said that Trump’s criticism of the women is a factor in Israel’s reluctance to grant them entry.
The two congresswomen, who are members of a group of four female Democratic lawmakers under attack from Trump, planned to visit both Jerusalem and the West Bank, according to organizers of the trip.
