In a significant development, the United States has decided to allow Israeli citizens visa-free entry, starting from late November. This decision is a testament to the strength of the US-Israel relationship and Israel’s commitment to addressing longstanding concerns about discrimination against Arab Americans.

A Victory for Israel

This achievement is a major victory for Israel, aligning it with most Western nations. The decision was not a concession but a strategic move that benefits both the US and Israel, further strengthening the 75-year-old US-Israel partnership.

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Addressing Discrimination: A Step Forward

Israel has made strides in addressing discrimination by pledging to treat all US passport holders equally, regardless of their Palestinian or Arab heritage or Muslim faith. This commitment was made in July and has since shown promising results.

The Impact on Palestinian-Americans

The policy changes have already positively impacted around 100,000 Americans, including a significant number of Palestinian Americans. However, some Democratic senators argue that further changes are needed as US citizens with Palestinian identification cards still face certain restrictions.

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Controversy and Criticism: A Necessary Dialogue

The decision has sparked debate among lawmakers. Some members of President Biden’s Democratic Party had urged him to delay the decision, arguing that pressure should be maintained on Israel until it ends its two-tiered system that discriminates against US citizens with Palestinian connections.

Source: Inside Paper