Israel blocks Ilhan Omar and Rashida Tlaib from entering country

Israel announced it plans to block two American congresswomen from entering the country after President Donald Trump pressured the Jewish state to bar Rep. Ilhan Omar and Rep. Rashida Tlaib from visiting.

Israeli Deputy Foreign Minister Tzipi Hotovely told Israel’s Reshet Radio: “The decision has been made, the decision is not to allow them to enter.”

Thursday morning Trump tweeted, “It would show great weakness if Israel allowed Rep. Omar and Rep.Tlaib to visit. 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!”

Several reports from the U.S. and Israel indicated the Israeli government was considering to block the two congresswomen from entering Israel on the grounds that they had backed the “boycott, sanctions and divestment” (BDS) movement against Israel. Israeli law allows the interior ministry to block BDS supporters from entering.

Last month, Israel’s ambassador to the U.S., Ron Dermer, said Israel would allow any member of Congress to enter. And as recently as Wednesday, Israel’s Channel 13 and partner Axios reported that Israeli officials were preparing for their visit to start this Friday.

Reports said they would possibly visit the Temple Mount site revered by both Jews and Muslims — and officials at a very high level were trying to figure out how to mitigate and limit the impact of their trip.

The decision comes as Netanyahu faces an election in one month, and hopes to retain his right leaning base.