On Wednesday, Israel was formally accepted into the U.S. Visa Waiver Program (VWP), a historic step forward in the U.S.-Israel relationship that will further strengthen ties between the two countries.
It will now be easier than ever for Israelis to visit the U.S. for tourism or business. It is estimated that the increased Israeli travel will support more than 6,000 American jobs.
Watch this video from AIPAC's Director of Policy and Government Affairs David Gillette about this major accomplishment:
Israel's acceptance into this program is a significant achievement, and something AIPAC has long advocated for.
Your support and advocacy over the past months and years helped make this possible. Your commitment to AIPAC ensures we have the resources needed to continue to further strengthen the U.S.-Israel relationship with important victories like this.
Please see below additional stories we have been following throughout the week.
AIPAC mourns the passing of Senator Dianne Feinstein, who died this morning after a trailblazing career in politics. Sen. Feinstein strongly supported the alliance between America and Israel and leaves an impressive legacy of leadership for California. May her memory be for a blessing.
House Passes Important Pro-Israel Provisions in Annual Funding Bills
Last night, the House passed three of its annual appropriations bills with important bipartisan pro-Israel provisions, including:
$87.5 million for U.S.-Israel anti-tunneling and counter-drone cooperation
$50 million for the Nita M. Lowey Middle East Partnership for Peace fund, which encourages private sector investment in Israeli-Palestinian people-to-people programs
By working with pro-Israel Democrats and Republicans in Congress, AIPAC helps ensure Congress stands with Israel.
Tensions Escalate from Gaza; Israel Destroys Bomb-Making Facility in West Bank
Palestinian terrorists in the West Bank and Gaza are increasing their efforts to kill Israelis, forcing Israel to take action to defend its citizens from this deadly threat.
On Tuesday, Israeli forces uncovered and disabled a Palestinian terrorist bomb-making facility and command center in the West Bank.
Meanwhile, Israel arrested eight Palestinians planning a terror attack, after they were recruited by Hamas operatives in Gaza and armed with weapons.
The IDF also launched a strike against Hamas' military positions in the Gaza Strip, as violent riots along the border have become a daily occurrence.
Palestinians in Gaza set off explosions amid riots at the Israeli border on September 27, 2023. (Said Khatib/AFP)
Iranian Oil Revenue Threatens America and Israel
Iran is continuing to export millions of barrels of oil per day in violation of U.S. sanctions, generating as much as $150 million per day in revenue. It's estimated that 91% of this oil is imported by China.
Meanwhile, Iran on Monday revealed a new missile it dubbed the "Israel-striker," which it claims has a range of 1,400 kilometers and can deliver a payload of 500 kilograms of explosives.
Growing Prospects for Saudi-Israel Normalization
Israeli Tourism Minister Haim Katz became the first Israeli minister to formally visit Saudi Arabia when he arrived this week for the U.N. World Tourism conference.
This came just days after Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman said in an interview that "every day we get closer" to Saudi Arabia normalizing ties with Israel.
Tourism Minister Katz in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, on September 27, 2023. (Tourism Ministry via AFP)
The mission of AIPAC is to encourage and persuade the U.S. government to enact specific policies that create a strong, enduring and mutually beneficial relationship with our ally Israel.
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