Israel Blocks Reps. Omar And Tlaib From Entering The Country

The movement aims to erode support for Israel over its policies towards Palestinians, which include continued construction of settlements in the West Bank, considered to be in violation of international law. Both Reps. Omar and Tlaib voted against a House resolution condemning the BDS movement that received broad bipartisan support, and that Tlaib called "unconstitutional" on Twitter, CNN reported.

Israel has a law allowing it to deny entry to anyone backing the BDS movement.

"Out of respect for the U.S. Congress and the great alliance between Israel and America, we would not deny entry to any member of Congress into Israel," he said, according to Politico.

However, Israel's Interior Minister, Arye Deri, who approves all visas, later decided to deny Omar and Tlaib's visit all the same.

As Vox reported, Israel's Deputy Foreign Minister Tzipi Hotovely confirmed that Reps. Omar and Tlaib would indeed be barred from Israel.

"Original Israeli decision to allow Tlaib/Omar visit was wise," he tweeted. "Reversal makes little sense. I disagree with their stands on Israel, have criticized them. But zero harm in letting them come learn, see (even if they had an agenda). Reversal harms Israel's standing in US, boosts BDS."

"It would show great weakness if Israel allowed Rep. Omar and Rep.Tlaib to visit," he wrote. "They hate Israel & all Jewish people, & there is nothing that can be said or done to change their minds. Minnesota and Michigan will have a hard time putting them back in office. They are a disgrace!"

h/t: Vox, Reuters, CNN, The Independent