Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who was already reported to be looking to block Reps. Ilhan Omar and Rashida Tlaib from entering Israel, was informed by Donald Trump that he would look “weak” if he let the Democratic congresswomen into his country. The president, who has been harshly critical of both U.S. representatives—and notoriously basked in crowd chants to kick one of them out of America—tweeted his support of banning the pair from a planned visit to Israel. “It would show great weakness if Israel allowed Rep. Omar and Rep. Tlaib to visit,” Trump wrote. “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!”
The Israeli government reportedly informed House leaders Wednesday that it would formally announce the pair would be denied entry over their support for a boycott movement against the country. The plans were met with a backlash from the Democratic leadership, who have urged the PM to reconsider. The Washington Post reports Netanyahu will make a formal announcement Thursday regarding the proposed ban, which is based on a recent Israeli law that denies entry visas to foreign nationals who publicly back or call for any kind of boycott against Israel or its West Bank settlements.
Read it at The Washington Post
