American Jewish Groups Downplay Visa Waiver Program Risks To Israel

Flag of Israel is seen at Hungary at Hungaroring on July 22, 2023 in Budapest, Hungary. Questions over whether Washington's entry criteria would put Israel's security at risk as the Sept. 30 deadline approaches for Israel to either get into the U.S. Visa Waiver Program, which it has wanted for more than a decade or have to redo its application. BEATA ZAWRZEL/NURPHOTO/GETTY IMAGES

As the Sept. 30 deadline looms for Israel to either gain entry into the U.S. Visa Waiver Program, which it has sought for more than a decade or have to restart its application, questions loom about whether Washington’s entry requirements would create security risks for Israel.

A sticking point has been that Foggy Bottom would require Israel to treat all U.S. citizens equally—meaning Israeli border and other police could not subject U.S. citizens with ties to Palestinian-controlled areas to any extra screening.