Table of Contents
Introduction:
In a significant policy shift, Israel announced that it will now allow entry to all U.S. citizens, including Palestinian Americans residing in the occupied West Bank and Gaza Strip.The long-standing bid by Israel to join the U.S. Visa Waiver Program has been hindered by concerns over differential treatment for certain U.S. citizens. In response, Washington will closely monitor the implementation of these changes over six weeks before making a decision.
Details of the Policy Change:
Israeli National Security Adviser Tzachi Hanegbi and U.S. Ambassador Thomas Nides, along with Israeli Ambassador Michael Herzog, signed a reciprocity agreement paving the way for this new entry policy. The program will apply to all U.S. citizens, including dual citizenship holders. American residents of Judea and Samaria (the occupied West Bank), and American residents of the Gaza Strip.
Hopes for Equal Treatment:
The U.S. State Department expects these changes to ensure equal treatment for all U.S. citizen travelers, irrespective of national origin, religion, or ethnicity. The U.S. Government will closely observe the implementation of the new policy. Based on the assessment, a decision on Israel’s admission to the Visa Waiver Program will be reached by September 30.
Strained Relations and Recent Talks:
Tensions between the U.S. and Israel over the Netanyahu government’s policies towards the Palestinians and judiciary reforms have strained their relationship. The issue of Israel’s inclusion in the Visa Waiver Program was raised during a meeting between U.S. President Joe Biden and Israeli President Isaac Herzog at the White House.
Trial Program and Benefits for Palestinian Americans:
The program, described as a pilot, will enable Palestinian Americans from the West Bank to fly directly in and out of Israel’s Ben Gurion International Airport. Instead of transiting through neighboring Jordan. Additionally, they will have the convenience of using online Israeli forms to apply for entry at West Bank crossing points as U.S. tourists. Palestinian Americans residing in the West Bank or Gaza crossing into Israel will receive entry permits allowing stays of up to 90 days.
Monitoring the Implementation:
The U.S. government will closely monitor the implementation of the program during the trial period. State Department and Homeland Security Department officials will observe operations at Ben Gurion International Airport and crossings between the West Bank and Israel.
Population Estimates:
The Arab American Institute Foundation estimates the number of Americans of Palestinian descent at 122,500 to 220,000. A U.S. official believes that between 45,000 and 60,000 of them are residents of the West Bank. While an Israeli official provides lower figures, suggesting about 15,000 to 20,000. West Bank residents among the 70,000 to 90,000 Palestinian Americans worldwide.
