To: Wharf Rat who wrote (1156957 ) 8/15/2019 12:36:47 PM From: Sdgla Read Replies (1) | Respond to of 1573430 bloomberg.com Ilhan Omar and Rashida Tlaib won't be allowed into Israel because of their support for the BDS movement. LISTEN TO ARTICLE 1:37 SHARE THIS ARTICLE Share Tweet Post Email Israel barred entry to two Muslim members of the U.S. Congress after President Donald Trump said the pair should be prevented from visiting the country because they “hate Israel & all Jewish people.” The Interior Ministry said Thursday that Democratic Representatives Ilhan Omar of Minnesota and Rashida Tlaib of Michigan wouldn’t be allowed into Israel because of their support for a boycott of the country. The two had planned to begin their visit this weekend. In a statement, the ministry said the decision was made because the lawmakers “exploit the most central stage of all to support organizations such as BDS that call for a boycott against Israel.” A spokeswoman for the U.S. Embassy in Israel declined to comment. BDS refers to the “boycott, divestment and sanctions” movement against Israel over the country’s treatment of Palestinians, which Omar and Tlaib have voiced support for. Boycott activists have also been prohibited from entering Israel for the same reason. Israel’s decision was announced shortly after Trump intervened, tweeting, “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.” The congresswomen, who are members of a group of four female Democratic lawmakers under attack from Trump, planned to visit both Jerusalem and the West Bank, according to organizers of the privately funded trip. The ban is likely to escalate a growing rift between Israel and the Democratic Party, which has become increasingly critical of the administration of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, a firm ally of Trump. Netanyahu faces national elections next month after earlier failing to form a government. — With assistance by Fadwa Hodali Have a confidential tip for our reporters? GET IN TOUCH Before it's here, it's on the