The Israelis were waiting impatiently. It’s now official. No more paperwork and endless delays when applying for an American visa. The United States includes the Jewish state in its visa waiver program.
Published on: September 27, 2023 – 8:50 p.m
2 minutes
Like many European nationals, it will also be easier for Israelis to travel to the USA from November 30, 2023. A few clicks online, about twenty dollars and you have an electronic visa that allows you to enter America.
Until then, it was necessary to send a request to the US Embassy in Israel, reports our correspondent in Jerusalem. Sami Boukhelifa. Waiting up to a year to get an appointment: the Holy Grail. Why so much administrative work? Because Washington criticized the Jewish state for the restrictions it imposes on Palestinian-American binational travelers.
For Israel, not all American citizens were equal. Those of Palestinian origin were treated like the rest of the Palestinian population under the occupation. Entry ban via Tel Aviv International Airport. They had to land in neighboring Jordan and cross the land border. Suffer from unwarranted searches. Humiliating and degrading treatment.
End restrictions on Palestinian Americans in Israel
Washington had repeatedly denounced an unacceptable situation. “An American citizen is first and foremost an American, regardless of ethnicity, color or creed.” This summer, Israel lifted its restrictions on Palestinian Americans. During this trial period, “approximately 100,000 American citizens, including tens of thousands of Palestinian Americans,” were able to enter Israel without visas and travel directly to the West Bank, American officials emphasized. In return, the Hebrew state joins the very selective circle of visa-free countries for the USA.
This announcement is “a significant step in favor of our strategic partnership with Israel, which will further strengthen the long-standing commitment between the peoples, economic cooperation and security coordination,” welcomed the head of American diplomacy Antony Blinken. “This will save you, the citizens of Israel, a lot of time, worry and money,” Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu also responded, expressing his “deep gratitude to President Joe Biden” in a statement.
Also listen: International report – Israel eases travel conditions for Palestinian Americans