Israel bans Democractic Congresswomen from entering country, an hour after Trump tell it to on Twitter

Israel barred Democractic congresswomen Ilhan Omar and Rashida Tlaib from entering the country today, an hour after Trump tweeted that the country would show "great weakness" if it allows them to visit. Israel gave as its rationale the congresswomen's support of boycotts against the country over its treatment of Palestinians.

The BBC:

Ilhan Omar and Rashida Tlaib were due to visit the occupied West Bank and East Jerusalem next week. Both have supported the boycott movement against Israel and Israeli law allows supporters of the campaign to be banned from visiting. ... A statement from the Israeli Interior Ministry confirming the ban said it was "inconceivable that those who wish to harm the state of Israel while visiting would be granted entry". But only last month Israeli Ambassador Ron Dermer said the two Democrats would be permitted to visit "out of respect for the US Congress and the great alliance between Israel and America".

GOP heavyweights had earlier said such a ban would be a bad idea, understanding the precedent it sets.

Trump's press secretary just before 9 AM: It's not true that Trump told Netanyahu to deny entry to Omar and Tlaib

Trump just before 10 AM: Netanyahu should deny entry to Omar and Tlaib pic.twitter.com/WMcJYzHwyE

— Daniel Dale (@ddale8) August 15, 2019

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