Did Israel Sacrifice Security For Visa Waivers?

Given the popularity of travel between Israel and the United States, coupled with the fact that the two nations are allied and share so many common values and concerns, the reality of the Jewish state not being on that list remains something of an anomaly. PHOTO BY TAYLOR BRANDON/UNSPLASH

It sounds eminently fair. Add in the fact that it will give Israeli citizens something they’ve been trying to get for many years, and it seems like a win-win sort of deal between Washington and Jerusalem. But there’s no use pretending that Israel’s agreement to treat all U.S. passport holders in the same manner, rather than singling out those who are also Palestinian Arabs for special scrutiny, doesn’t also present genuine risks for the country’s security.

Making this change was the price that the government of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had to pay in order to get the United States to change its own entry policies for Israeli citizens. Up until now, Israel was denied the privilege extended to 40 other countries, mostly in Europe and Asia.