By Amit Acco, Partner |
Update 20 July 2023: As of today, Israel will allow entry to all U.S. citizens, including Palestinian Americans living in the West Bank and the Gaza Strip, in a policy change it hopes will secure visa-free access for Israelis to the United States. According to an Israeli statement made by Israel’s national security adviser, the full implementation of the program will apply to any U.S. citizen, including those with dual citizenship, American residents of Judea and Samaria (the occupied West Bank) and American residents of the Gaza Strip. According to the U.S. State Department spokesperson, the US expects the changes to “ensure equal treatment for all U.S. citizen travelers without regard to national origin, religion or ethnicity.”
Update 28 June 2023: According to an Israeli statement made by Israel’s national security adviser, the full implementation of the program will apply to any U.S. citizen, including those with dual citizenship, American residents of Judea and Samaria (the occupied West Bank) and American residents of the Gaza Strip.
As of middle of July, the Israeli policy will change permanently, allowing any Palestinian with an American passport to enter Israel and travel the country as a tourist freely like any other American citizens.
Given the complexity of the matter new systems will enable Israel to conduct identity verifications of American citizens traveling to the country even before their departure, aiding in the detection of potential security risks. Nevertheless, Israel reserves the right to individually deny entry to a Palestinian with American citizenship in cases where criminal, security, immigration, or health suspicions arise, the general approach is to comply with the American demand for full reciprocity, allowing free entry and exit for American and Israeli citizens.
Palestinian flys to the US
As part of this program, residents of the West Bank who hold American citizenship will be able to fly to the United States through Israel’s Ramon Airport without unnecessary delays.
This marks a significant departure from the current situation, where Palestinians, irrespective of their additional citizenship, are required to leave the West Bank and enter through the Allenby crossing. However, exceptions are made for around 30,000 Palestinians annually who are granted the opportunity to fly to the US for humanitarian reasons.
General Remarks
The program serves as a testament to the ongoing efforts between Israel and the United States to enhance bilateral relations and promote mutual understanding.
The US has emphasized that without meeting this condition, Israel will not be admitted to the prestigious visa exemption program, which is anticipated to come into effect in October or November of this year.
As the pilot program unfolds in the coming months, its success will likely play a pivotal role in determining Israel’s inclusion in the visa waiver program. By ensuring the efficient functioning of the security systems and maintaining a commitment to non-discrimination, Israel can position itself favorably for full participation in this prestigious program.
Ultimately, the visa exemption will foster greater connectivity and open doors for both Israelis and Palestinians, fostering increased dialogue and cooperation between the two nations.