An Israeli official noted today, Wednesday, that over two thousand Palestinian-Americans have traveled to Israel or passed through it since the easing of entry conditions at the crossings in an attempt to secure a visa exemption agreement with the United States. With the deadline approaching on September 30 for its citizens to qualify for visa exemptions to the U.S., Israel has relaxed entry procedures for American citizens of Palestinian descent through its main airport and at the borders of the occupied West Bank.
The Israeli official stated that during the first week of the six-week trial period, 1,100 Palestinian-Americans entered Israel through "international crossings." He added, "The total number is more than two thousand Palestinian-Americans in the first seven days." Israel must demonstrate that it treats Palestinian-American passport holders in the same manner as all American citizens in order for its citizens to gain visa exemption. Israel imposes strict controls on Palestinians and typically does not allow them to travel from Ben Gurion Airport.
