US Launches Visa Waiver Program for Israelis Amidst Israel-Hamas Conflict
As the Israel-Hamas war intensifies, the United States has launched a visa waiver program allowing Israelis to visit the country for 90 days or less without applying for a visa. This move comes after the US announced on September 27 that it was admitting Israel into the visa waiver program, joining a select group of 40 mostly European and Asian countries whose citizens can travel to the US without visas.
The visa waiver program for Israelis was initially set to start on November 30. However, the Department of Homeland Security announced on Thursday that the program was operational as of that day, without providing a reason for the changed timeline. It is worth noting that just days after Israel’s admittance to the program, Hamas launched attacks against numerous locations in southern Israel, leading to an escalation of violence in the region.
Under the visa waiver program, Israelis must first register with the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA), an automated system that determines their eligibility to travel. This process can take up to 72 hours. Once approved, Israelis can travel to the US without a visa. However, it is important to note that only those with biometrically enabled passports are eligible for the program. Those without such passports must still apply for a US visa.
To be eligible for the visa waiver program, countries must meet three critical benchmarks. Israel has met two of these benchmarks over the past two years: a low percentage of Israelis who applied for visas and were rejected, and a low percentage of Israelis who have overstayed their visas. However, Israel had struggled to meet the third benchmark, which requires reciprocity. This means that all US citizens, including Palestinian Americans, must be treated equally when traveling to or through Israel.
Critics have argued that despite American assertions, Palestinian Americans still face discrimination when traveling to Israel. The issue of reciprocity has been a point of contention, with concerns raised about the treatment of Palestinian Americans at Israeli border crossings. Many argue that more needs to be done to ensure equal treatment for all travelers, regardless of their background.
The visa waiver program aims to facilitate travel and strengthen ties between the US and Israel. It provides an opportunity for Israelis to visit the US for tourism, business, or other purposes without the hassle of applying for a visa. This is expected to boost tourism and business exchanges between the two countries, fostering greater cultural and economic cooperation.
However, amidst the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas, the launch of the visa waiver program raises questions about its timing. Some may argue that it sends a message of support to Israel during a time of heightened tensions. Others may view it as a way to encourage dialogue and engagement between the two sides, promoting peace and understanding.
In conclusion, the US has launched a visa waiver program for Israelis amidst the Israel-Hamas conflict. This program allows Israelis to visit the US for up to 90 days without applying for a visa. While it aims to strengthen ties between the two countries, concerns have been raised about the treatment of Palestinian Americans and the issue of reciprocity. The launch of the program during a period of heightened tensions raises questions about its timing and intentions.