By Yaron Steinbuch
August 15, 2019
“The State of Israel respects the US Congress, as part of the close alliance, but it is inconceivable that anyone who wishes to harm the State of Israel will be allowed, even during the visit,” a press statement said.
Israel accused the two US lawmakers of “taking advantage” of their prominent political position “to support organizations that call for boycotts of Israel,” according to the statement.
Omar (D-Minn.) and Tlaib (D-Mich.) planned to tour the flashpoint site of the Temple Mount in the Old City of Jerusalem, as well as the West Bank, according to Channel 13.
Their trip was planned by Miftah, a nonprofit organization led by Palestinian lawmaker and veteran peace negotiator Hanan Ashrawi, according to the Washington Post.
The move to bar the progressive lawmakers from visiting the close US ally appeared to be unprecedented — and marked a dramatic escalation of Israel’s campaign against the BDS movement. In July, the Democratic-led House voted overwhelmingly in favor of a resolution against the movement.
On Thursday, congressional lawmakers wasted no time in assailing Israel’s decision.
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