Analysis. A simmering debate in U.S.-Israel relations may soon reach a boiling point. Officials in Jerusalem want to join an economically beneficial security program, and they are reportedly planning a demonstration aimed at convincing Washington to send them an invitation. But headwinds remain.

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At issue is not the firming up of a particular military partnership or the acquisition of a new defense system. Rather it is Israel’s admittance into an American travel arrangement known as the Visa Waiver Program (VWP). Essentially, VWP allows most citizens of select countries to visit the U.S for business or tourism for up to 90 days without having to obtain a visa — a more time-consuming and expensive way to secure approval for entry to our country.

By requiring systems and procedures that facilitate less obstacles to travel between program partners, VWP is designed to provide an economic and security boost. In fact, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, which operates VWP in coordination with the U.S. State Department, says, “Since its inception in 1986, the VWP has evolved into a comprehensive security partnership with many of America’s closest allies.”

While 40 countries are currently participating in VWP, one of those in that favored group is not — yet — Israel.

Israel and many of its supporters would like that to change. Indeed, a number of legislators led by Sens. Jacky Rosen (D-Nev.) and Rick Scott (R-Fla.) told the Biden administration in 2021, “Israel – our closest ally in the Middle East – is a perfect candidate for the Visa Waiver Program.”

The senators noted that advanced passport and information sharing requirements for VWP  members would enhance the work of our nation’s own law enforcement and counterterrorism agents. And they also pointed to a projected economic benefit after hundreds of thousands of new Israeli visitors travel to the U.S. under VWP spending billions of dollars helping local American economies.

“Israel is… an economically prosperous country that is a major U.S. security partner, presenting a high-volume, low-risk opportunity to add to the program,” they declared.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced in March that the Knesset had approved legislative measures necessary to comply with VWP system requirements, and he anticipated Israel’s admission into the program this coming fall. But the Biden administration, while generally supportive of Israel’s campaign to join VWP, signaled soon after Netanyahu’s statement that Israel “still has significant work to complete on a short timeline.”

Among the most pronounced worries is what will happen to Palestinian-Americans traveling to Israel, especially if they plan to visit territory governed by the Palestinian Authority in the West Bank. One of the requirements of the VWP is reciprocal privileges for U.S. citizens to be able travel to partner countries without a visa, and critics of Israel’s VWP hopes argue that so far Palestinian-Americans face particularly significant hurdles at Israeli security checkpoints that other Americans do not experience.

“None of the 40 countries currently participating in the Visa Waiver Program apply such discriminatory laws, policies, and practices against certain groups of U.S. citizens,” wrote a group of Senate Democrats under the leadership of Sens. Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.) and Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii) in a recent letter to U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken and U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro Mayorkas.

The issue here for Israel is, of course, its concern with thwarting very real and demonstrated dangers of terrorism. But some observers suggest that the information sharing benefit of Israel’s potential inclusion in VWP would help it to refine its screenings and reduce profiling complaints. The Times of Israel wrote, “Successfully allowing a small segment of the Palestinian population to travel more freely could well demonstrate how the same could be done at a larger scale.”

Israel advocates are now increasing efforts pressing for its entrance into VWP — remembering the economic and security benefits of deepening such ties with our key trading partner and closest ally in the region.  In fact, Sens. Jacky Rosen and Rick Scott are now gathering signatures on a new letter to reiterate support for resolving final concerns — like those over reciprocity — and moving Israel’s admission to the finish line this fall.

Leaders in Washington and Jerusalem will need wisdom as they navigate these potentially final steps towards including Israel in VWP. Will you pray for them and the families, tourists, and businesses that could benefit if an agreement can be had?

How are you praying for Israel and its relationship with America? Share this article to keep people informed.

Aaron Mercer is a Contributing Writer with two decades of experience in Washington, D.C.’s public policy arena. Photo Credit: Canva.