Israel Approves Tlaib Request to Visit Relatives

Israeli Interior Minister Aryeh Deri approved Rep. Rashida Tlaib’s (D-MI) request to enter the country to visit her relatives.

"I would like to request admittance to Israel in order to visit my relatives, and specifically my grandmother, who is in her 90s and lives in Beit Ur al-Fouqa," Tlaib wrote in a letter to Deri.
 
 "This could be my last opportunity to see her," the congresswoman added. "I will respect any restrictions and will not promote boycotts against Israel during my visit." 

#BREAKING Interior minister #AryehDeri approves @RepRashida’s request to enter #Israel.https://t.co/0ov6DI36xk

— The Jerusalem Post (@Jerusalem_Post) August 16, 2019

Deri explained the decision in a statement, saying her request was granted so long as she respected the restrictions on her visit.

“Congresswoman Tlaib has sent tonight a letter to Minister Deri in which she committed to accept all the demands of Israel to respect the restrictions imposed on her in the visit, and she also promised not to advance boycotts against Israel during her visit," his office said. 

On Thursday, Israel said it would not allow Tlaib and Rep. Ilhan Omar (D-MN) to enter the country, though making it clear a humanitarian request from Tlaib would be considered. 

The move came after President Trump tweeted that it would “show great weakness” if the two progressive lawmakers were allowed to visit. 

“They hate Israel & all Jewish people, & there is nothing that can be said or done to change their minds,” he said. “They are a disgrace!”

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. Minnesota and Michigan will have a hard time putting them back in office. They are a disgrace!

— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) August 15, 2019

Update: She's now refusing to go because it's too "humiliating."