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A Call for Accountability: Challenging Israel’s Entry into the U.S. Visa Waiver Program Amidst Heightened Domestic and International Strife

Dear Email,

In the wake of the recent wave of protests in Israel over a proposed judicial coup d'état, which has sparked widespread condemnation and drawn criticism of state capture by Israel’s extreme right, Americans for Justice in Palestine Action (AJP Action) asserts that the Israeli government, currently under scrutiny for growing human rights violations, does not meet the eligibility criteria for the U.S.’s Visa Waiver Program (VWP) due to its longstanding and systematic discrimination against U.S. citizens of Palestinian, Arab, and Muslim descent, but also for it’s sliding authoritarianism.

Although the U.S. State Department has acknowledged the significant difficulties and unequal treatment these citizens face at Israel's borders and checkpoints, these issues extend beyond the Ben-Gurion Airport and into all immigration controlled by Israel. This contradicts the position presented by the U.S. Ambassador to Israel, Thomas Nides.

Furthermore, the issue of restricted travel of Palestinian Americans to Gaza remains a grave concern. The pursuit of reciprocity, therefore, appears to neglect the complex and extensive nature of Israel's discriminatory practices.

Given the escalating protests and strife in Israel and increasing international scrutiny of Netanyahu’s authoritarian policies, AJP Action believes it is crucial to reassess the negotiated terms for Israel's entry into the VWP. Discrimination against American citizens should never be tolerated, especially not in a program founded on the principles of mutual respect and equality.

In solidarity with the individuals facing this unjust treatment, AJP Action opposes Israel's entry into the VWP. The message to the Biden administration should be unequivocal - partial solutions to Israel's systemic discrimination are insufficient. The time for full accountability is now and is long overdue.

Through unified efforts, we can create a future where all governments, including Israel, adhere to the same standards of justice, equality, and respect for human rights.

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