In a collective move, 15 members of the US Senate called on Friday, September 9, 2023, upon Secretary of State Antony Blinken to suspend the application of the visa waiver agreement for Israelis entering the United States.
This appeal comes in response to Israel’s failure to adhere to a crucial provision in the agreement that demands reciprocity, specifically concerning the travel of Americans of Palestinian descent.
The message, delivered by Democratic senators on Friday, emphasizes the existence of numerous unanswered questions by the Israeli government regarding the terms of the memorandum of understanding for the Israeli visa exemption program, raising serious concerns.
The signatories stressed that Israel is not complying with the principle of equal treatment for all American citizens.
The letter also underscores that visa exemptions should not be granted through discrimination against specific groups of American citizens, emphasizing the necessity of treating all US citizens equally.
The senators’ request reflects growing concerns within the US government regarding the implementation of the visa waiver agreement with Israel and the need for transparency and equal treatment in the process.
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