Thread by @reglash

Here is official statement from @netanyahu on #Israel banning @IlhanMN and @RashidaTlaib from entering Israel (and by default #Palestine):
"There is no country in the world that respects the US and the US Congress more than the State of Israel, said Netanyahu in a statement." 1/9

As a vibrant and free democracy, Israel is open to all its critics, with one exception: Israeli law prohibits the entry of people who call and operate to boycott Israel. 2/9

Congressmen Talib & Omar are leading activists in promoting the boycott against Israel in the US Congress. 3/9

Just a few days ago, we received their travel plan, and it became clear that they were planning a trip whose sole purpose was to strengthen the boycott and negate Israel's legitimacy. 4/9

For example, they defined their visit destination as "Palestine" rather than "Israel," and unlike all Democratic and Republican congressmen to date, they avoided seeking any meetings with Israeli officials in both the government and the opposition. 5/9

A week ago, Israel welcomed 70 Democratic and Republican congressmen who expressed broad bipartisan support for Israel. Just a month ago they expressed overwhelming opposition to the BDS movement in a congressional vote. 6/9

By contrast, the travel plan of the two congresswomen shows that their intent is to hurt Israel and increase unrest against it. 7/9

Also, the organization sponsoring the visit is the Miftah organization, which is a staunch supporter of BDS and its people are among those who have supported terror against Israel. 8/9

If Congresswoman @RashidaTlaib files a humanitarian request to meet her family members in the West Bank, Israel would consider her request. 9/9