US Joins Israel's Visa Waiver Program, Announces Israel

Israel's Foreign Ministry expects the United States to announce its admission to the Visa Waiver Program (VWP) this week, allowing Israeli citizens visa-free entry to America starting in November. Compliance with U.S. conditions must be demonstrated by September 30. The move would be a diplomatic win for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's government, which has faced strained relations with Washington over judiciary reforms and policies towards Palestinians. However, some Palestinians have protested, citing decades of discriminatory treatment of Arab Americans and harassment at Israeli borders. The U.S. State Department has not made a final decision on Israel's candidacy yet.