Ban for Omar-Tlaib and Democracy: Times of Israel

Polarization and fear of criticism erode democracy. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu banned two American Democratic congresswomen from visiting the Israeli-occupied West Bank soon after US President Donald Trump suggested as much. The ban on the two representatives reveals the extent of Israel’s control over Palestinian territories. Ilhan Omar, once a Somali refugee who was elected to congress from a Minnesota district, noted, “The irony of the ‘only democracy’ in the Middle East making such a decision is that it is both an insult to democratic values and a chilling response to a visit by government officials from an allied nation.” Rashida Tlaib of Michigan, who has relatives in the West Bank, said “the truth of what is happening to Palestinians is frightening.” The ban calls attention to a boycott over Israel’s treatment of the Palestinians. A range of senators and congressional representatives, including staunch supporters of Israel, as well as the bipartisan lobbying organization American Israel Public Affairs Committee, criticized the ban, suggesting that they may oppose the stances held by the two congresswomen, but support the right to free speech and fact-finding travel. Update: Israel, in a reversal, announced it would grant a visa with conditions for Tlaib to visit her family. She states she will not visit with the conditions.– YaleGlobal