US slams Israel for 'premature' announcement on visa waivers

The United States attacked Israel on Tuesday, calling its announcement about the country’s acceptance into the Visa Waiver Program “premature.”

The secretary of homeland security, in consultation with the secretary of state, will make a determination in the coming days, a US Embassy spokesperson told The Jerusalem Post, noting that the decision was not finalized and the Foreign Ministry statement “was entirely premature.”

The Foreign Ministry announced Monday night that the United States is expected to announce this week that Israelis will no longer require a paper visa to enter the country but will be able to fly to America with a discounted electronic permit.

A new 'diplomatic achievement'

“This is great news for all Israeli citizens,” said Foreign Minister Eli Cohen. “Within a few weeks, Israelis will be able to visit the United States without the need for a long wait for a visa from the US Embassy.”

Instead, Israelis with biometric passports will be able to secure a visa within 72 hours of submitting their online request. Visas will be valid for up to 90 days.

Israel has until September 30 to meet the requirements for the program, so an announcement must be made this week.

It’s expected that Israel would grant freedom of travel into Israel to Palestinians with US citizenship, including those living in the West Bank and Gaza.

A pilot program is in place to test Israel’s ability to stand by that condition.

US State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller on Tuesday refused to characterize the success or failure of that program.

He told reporters that “when we make a final determination” as to Israeli eligibility into the visa waiver program, his office could explain how it arrived at its decision.