The State of Israel has made a stunning decision to bar two anti-Semitic congresswomen from entering the country because of their support of the BDS movement.
Israel’s deputy foreign minister says the government has decided to bar two U.S. Democratic congresswomen who support the international boycott movement from entering the country.
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.
She says it is in keeping with a policy of denying entry to those who advocate boycotts of Israel.
Israel’s ambassador to the United States had said a month ago that Israel would not deny entry to any member of the U.S. Congress, however, things apparently changed following President Trump’s tweet Thursday morning that “It would show great weakness if Israel allowed” them to visit. “They hate Israel & all Jewish people, & there is nothing that can be said or done to change their minds.”
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
It remains to be seen how Democrats will respond to this move by Israel. The Democratic Party has a major problem with anti-Semitism in its ranks and its leaders (and presidential candidates) have refused to adequately address it or condemn the blatant anti-Semitism from its members.
UPDATE: The American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC) has condemned the move:
We disagree with Reps. Omar and Tlaib’s support for the anti-Israel and anti-peace BDS movement, along with Rep. Tlaib’s calls for a one-state solution. We also believe every member of Congress should be able to visit and experience our democratic ally Israel firsthand.
— AIPAC (@AIPAC) August 15, 2019
Senator Chuck Schumer has also sided with the anti-Semitic congressmwomen:
Denying entry to members of the United States Congress is a sign of weakness, not strength. It will only hurt the U.S.-Israel relationship and support for Israel in America.
— Chuck Schumer (@SenSchumer) August 15, 2019
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