America Monitors Palestinian-Americans' Entry to Israel

A knowledgeable source indicated today, Monday, that "the United States will assess the travel freedom of American citizens of Palestinian descent to Israel next month, as part of preparations for proposed visa exemptions for Israelis to enter the United States." The official, who requested anonymity and nationality while speaking to Reuters, stated: "It will take between 30 to 45 days, during which American representatives will monitor the travel of Palestinian-Americans through Ben Gurion Airport and checkpoints in the West Bank." The official added, "If you are an American of Palestinian descent living in Ramallah, it means you can stay up to 90 days in Tel Aviv (with an Israeli entry visa)." The US will test Palestinian-Americans' freedom of travel in Israel next month as part of preparations for proposed US visa exemptions for Israelis. The official noted that "between 45,000 to 60,000 of them are in the West Bank, and that the pilot program does not apply to the Gaza Strip." Israeli Foreign Minister Eli Cohen stated to the "Ynet" website yesterday, Sunday, that a "pilot program" will be launched in mid-July to keep Israel's nomination for the US visa waiver program on track.