US admits Israel into visa waiver program

A view of a U.S. flag and an Israeli flag held up by people during a demonstration to show support for U.S. President Joe Biden, for not inviting Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to the White House, in front of the U.S. Consulate in Tel Aviv, Israel, March 30, 2023. REUTERS/Ronen Zvulun/File Photo Acquire Licensing Rights
WASHINGTON, Sept 27 (Reuters) – The U.S. government announced on Wednesday it is admitting Israel into a program that will allow visa-free entry by Israeli citizens starting Nov. 30.
Admission to the U.S. Visa Waiver Program (VWP), which Israel’s Foreign Ministry said was expected, is a win for Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at a time when relations between his religious-nationalist government and Washington have been strained over its judiciary overhaul plan and policies toward Palestinians.
Some Palestinians have protested against Israel’s entry into the program, saying Israel for decades has discriminated against Arab Americans and harassed them at its borders. Four Democratic U.S. senators including Chris Van Hollen said Wednesday Israel has failed to meet requirements to treat all American travelers equally.
U.S. Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas said the announcement further