Israel signs deal with US to join visa waiver program

Israeli Foreign Minister Eli Cohen and National Security Adviser Tzachi Hanegbi announced Wednesday evening that Israel and the United States signed a reciprocity agreement, opening the way for Israel to join the American visa waiver program. 

The signing does not automatically include Israel in the program, but removes the main hurdle to join it. 

The agreement, signed by Israel’s Ambassador to Washington Mike Herzog and by outgoing US Ambassador in Jerusalem Tom Nides, will allow any American citizen to enter Israel via its airports, including Americans residing in the West Bank or Gaza. 

Later, when the process is completed on both sides, it will enable Israelis to travel to the United States without a pre-requested visa.

"This is a significant milestone towards Israel joining the program," tweeted Herzog. 

In his statement, Hanegbi said that the new procedure, to be applied as of Thursday, marks another important step to visa exemption for the United States. 

Cohen said, "Since I assumed my position, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has worked to promote Israel's accession to the American visa exemption program." The agreement, he added, "advances us towards the goal I set: to finish the process by the end of October this year."

He added that the Foreign Ministry, in cooperation with officials from the Population and Immigration Authority, has briefed consuls at the Israeli missions in the United States on the expected reciprocity agreement to prepare them for  changes in procedures.

The State Department said that a decision will be taken by Sept. 30 on Israel's acceptance in the program. Until then, Israel will face a trial period, to examine its promised new stance on Palestinians of American citizenship entering Israel. All Americans, regardless of religion, origins, nationality or residency, must be treated equally. 

Over the years, the entrance into Israel of American Palestinians, whether living in the States, in the West Bank or in Gaza, has been complicated, with Israeli security agencies screening entrance requests. 

According to Haaretz, the Israeli security system objected to the American demand to cancel such procedures, especially concerning entry of Americans into Gaza and Americans who hold dual nationality of the United States and Syria or Iran. 

Shin Bet Chief Ronen Bar held talks with American counterparts in recent months to find a compromise, but Washington clarified recently that it will not bend. 

Thus, the Israeli political echelon ordered the security system to make all the necessary adjustments. Haaretz reported that joining the visa waiver program is a top priority for Israel’s political leadership.