Israel’s ban of Tlaib, Omar was a tough call — but entirely justifiable NY Post, Aug 16, 2019, Editorial Board
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Against that, Israel had to weigh the fact that Omar and Tlaib are avid Boycott, Divest and Sanction activists. Their itinerary itself was a blatant thumb in the eye to the Israeli government, starting with its description of the pair as a “US Congressional Delegation to Palestineâ€; neither Israel nor the US recognizes “Palestine.â€
They slotted no visits to any undisputed parts of Israel nor meetings with any Israelis who weren’t solid anti-Israel critics.
Their first stop: the American Colony hotel, legendary as the hangout for fierce anti-Israel journalists and foreign delegates. Next: a presentation by UNRWA, another bastion of Israeli-hate. Their goal: nonstop anti-Israel headlines.
And the trip would’ve been funded by MIFTAH, with its history, notes NGO Monitor, of accusing Israel of “apartheid†and “Judaizing†Jerusalem. Some members have backed the use of terror against Israel.
Finally, President Trump tweeted that the two should be banned.
Jerusalem took his advice: “As a free and vibrant democracy, Israel is open to critics and criticism,†said Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. With one exception: “Israeli law prohibits the entry into Israel of those who call for, and work to impose, boycotts on Israel.†Added Interior Minister Aryeh Deri: “It is inconceivable that Israel would be expected to let into the country those who wish to hurt it.â€
Other countries do likewise. In 2012, Team Obama banned an Israeli Knesset member. In 2005, the US blocked Narendra Modi, now India’s prime minister. Britain has banned high-profile figures, from Menachem Begin and Geert Wilders to Mike Tyson, Snoop Dog and Martha Stewart.
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https://nypost.com/2019/08/16/israels-ban-of-tlaib-omar-was-a-tough-call-but-entirely-justifiable/
