Ardent Boycott Divestment and Sanction (BDS) advocates Rep. Ilhan Omar (D-MI) and Rep. Rashida Tlaib (D-MN) are now being barred from entering Israel. A government official had given a statement to Israeli news station News 12 saying that the congresswomen visit “will lead to serious image, diplomatic and explanatory damage.”
It’s official: Israel will bar Congresswomen @RashidaTlaib and @IlhanMN from entering Israel due to "suspected provocations and promotion of BDS” at this time the final decision is been drafted and passed for comments before a press release. https://t.co/YikKaKe97g
— Dana Weiss (@danawt) August 15, 2019
President Trump sounded off on Twitter after Israel announced it wouldn't let them into the country.
It would show great weakness if Israel allowed Rep. Omar and Rep.Tlaib to visit. They hate Israel & all Jewish people, & there is nothing that can be said or done to change their minds. Minnesota and Michigan will have a hard time putting them back in office. They are a disgrace!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) August 15, 2019
President Trump pointed out that Rep. Tlaib and Rep. Omar both hate Israel and Jewish people probably referring to the multiple instances they made statements that were considered to be anti-Semitic.
According to the Jewish Chronicle, Israel has a right to deny entry of anyone who supports the BDS movement, but a waiver can be issued if diplomatic relations could be harmed. Both congresswomen though haven't received one and are due to be in the country tomorrow.