Ambassadors representing countries within the European Union, Canada, and Australia have recently approached the Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs with an unusual request. They seek permission for Palestinians who hold citizenship in their respective nations to enter Israel in a manner similar to Palestinians with American citizenship. This request, if granted, would open the doors for tens of thousands of Palestinians to enter Israel without restrictions.
The backdrop for this request stems from the implementation of a pilot program within the visa exemption system, which has been in effect since July. This program allows Palestinians with American citizenship residing in Judea, Samaria, and Gaza to freely traverse Israel's borders.
The Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs has firmly stated to EU country applicants that such an option is not on the table. Behind the scenes, the Shin Bet security agency is also involved in denying an extension of these privileges to Palestinians with foreign citizenships, with the aim of facilitating their passage through Israel's borders. As previously mentioned, Israel has allowed Palestinians with American citizenship to cross its borders unrestricted since July, a move that received approval from the Shin Bet.
Important short thread:
— Uri Pilichowski (@RationalSettler) September 10, 2023
Senators complained that Palestinian-Americans coming into Ben-Gurion can’t rent cars because of Israeli restrictions. This isn’t true. They can rent cars, they can’t drive them into Palestinian controlled areas (Area A)…https://t.co/g4VohuXUTq
The genesis of this pilot program can be traced back to an American requirement tied to the visa exemption process. It mandates reciprocity between Israel and the United States regarding the treatment of tourists from both nations, including Palestinians. As part of this pilot program, residents of Gaza with American citizenship were also granted the opportunity to pass through Israel without security restrictions for the first time.
It's essential to clarify that the removal of restrictions for Palestinian US citizens does not equate to a waiver of security checks. The Shin Bet endorsed the pilot program and its conditions as an initial step. Minister of Interior Moshe Arbel emphasized the need for security officials' input in granting approval for the program, highlighting the importance of ensuring the safety and security of Israeli citizens. "My full approval will not be granted without the positions of the security officials being presented to me in writing, which will give my opinion on the safety of the procedure for the safety and security of the citizens of Israel."
A group of U.S. senators has warned the Biden administration not to grant 'Israel' a U.S. visa waiver if the Israeli government continues to discriminate against Palestinian-Americans seeking entry to occupied Palestine. pic.twitter.com/2CeeecQ3KW
— Chris Hutchinson (@ChrisHu34451470) September 9, 2023
This development occurs amidst reports of challenges in the US-Israel visa exemption program. Jerusalem's approach has been to address at least one aspect of contention and advance the reciprocity agenda, with the hope of furthering progress in the visa exemption project.
