This marks a milestone in the long-standing friendship between Israel and the United States, as Israel becomes the 40th country to join the Visa Waiver Program (VWP). This means that Israeli citizens can now travel to the US for tourism or business purposes for up to 90 days without a visa, as long as they meet certain requirements.
The VWP is a mutually beneficial program that facilitates travel and trade between the US and its partner countries, while enhancing security and cooperation. Israel has been working for years to meet the criteria for admission to the VWP, such as implementing biometric passports, sharing information on security and criminal matters, and maintaining a low rate of visa refusal.
The Israeli embassy in Washington announced the news in a statement, saying: “We are delighted to inform you that as of today, following admission to the Visa Waiver Program, Israelis can travel to the US without a visa. This is a significant achievement that reflects the strength of the alliance and the close ties between our peoples.”
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The statement also thanked the US administration, Congress, and various organizations for their support and efforts in making this happen. It also reminded travelers that they still need to obtain an electronic authorization (ESTA) before boarding a flight to the US, and that the VWP does not apply to those who intend to work, study, or stay longer than 90 days in the US.
The visa waiver is expected to boost tourism, business, and cultural exchange between the two countries, as well as reduce costs and bureaucracy for travelers. According to the US Department of Commerce, more than 1.1 million Israelis visited the US in 2019, spending over $3.8 billion. The US is also one of the most popular destinations for Israeli students, researchers, and entrepreneurs.
The visa waiver is also a sign of trust and appreciation for Israel’s role as a strategic partner and ally of the US in the Middle East. The two countries share common values, interests, and challenges, and cooperate on various fields such as defense, intelligence, technology, innovation, and health. The visa waiver will further enhance this cooperation and deepen the bonds between the two nations.
US Senate votes 97-0 to pass resolution in support of Israel.
In a rare display of bipartisan unity, the US Senate voted unanimously on Thursday to approve a resolution expressing its unwavering support for Israel’s right to defend itself against the rocket attacks from Hamas and other terrorist groups in Gaza. The resolution, which was introduced by Senators Bob Menendez (D-NJ) and Lindsey Graham (R-SC), also condemned the indiscriminate targeting of civilians by Hamas and reaffirmed the US commitment to the security of Israel as a Jewish and democratic state.
The resolution came amid a surge of violence in the Middle East that has claimed hundreds of lives and displaced tens of thousands of people. Israel has launched a military operation, dubbed Operation Guardian of the Walls, to stop the barrage of rockets that have been fired from Gaza since May 10. According to the Israeli Defense Forces, more than 4,000 rockets have been launched at Israel, killing 12 people and injuring hundreds more.
Israel has also carried out hundreds of airstrikes and artillery strikes on Gaza, targeting Hamas’s military infrastructure and operatives. The Palestinian Health Ministry in Gaza has reported that at least 230 people have been killed, including 65 children, and more than 1,700 have been wounded.
The Senate resolution expressed solidarity with the people of Israel, who have endured constant threats and attacks from Hamas and other terrorist groups for decades. It also recognized Israel’s efforts to avoid civilian casualties and limit collateral damage, while holding Hamas accountable for using human shields and exploiting civilian infrastructure for military purposes.
The resolution urged President Joe Biden and his administration to continue to work diplomatically with Israel and other regional partners to restore calm and prevent further escalation of the conflict. It also called for a sustainable solution that would address the underlying causes of the violence and ensure the dignity, security, and human rights of both Israelis and Palestinians.
The resolution was welcomed by several pro-Israel groups in the US, such as the American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC), the Anti-Defamation League (ADL), and the Jewish Federations of North America (JFNA). They praised the Senate for sending a clear message of support for Israel’s right to self-defense and for condemning Hamas’s terrorism. They also urged the House of Representatives to pass a similar resolution as soon as possible.
The resolution was also applauded by Israeli officials, who thanked the Senate for standing with Israel in its time of need. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu expressed his gratitude to the Senate for its “resounding support” and said that Israel “will continue to do whatever it takes to restore peace and security to our people”.
Foreign Minister Gabi Ashkenazi said that the resolution was a “testament to the strength and depth” of the US-Israel alliance and that Israel “deeply appreciates” the bipartisan backing from Congress. Ambassador Gilad Erdan said that the resolution was a “powerful expression of friendship” and that Israel “values” the unwavering support from the American people.