Israel's Foreign Ministry anticipates that the United States will announce its inclusion in the Visa Waiver Program (VWP) this week
Israeli citizens may enjoy visa-free entry to the United States starting in November if Israel meets U.S. conditions by the September 30 deadline
This development could be seen as a diplomatic success for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's government
The strained relations between Israel and the U.S. stem from issues like judiciary reform and policies concerning the Palestinians
Foreign Minister Eli Cohen expressed that Israel's participation in the Visa Waiver Program is positive news for all Israeli citizens
The U.S. State Department spokesperson mentioned that a final decision regarding Israel's candidacy is pending
Washington necessitates that countries treat all U.S. travelers equally, regardless of their other nationalities, to join the VWP
Israel's inclusion would mean visa-free access for Palestinian Americans at Israeli airports and in and out of occupied Palestinian territories
Some Palestinians have protested Israel's entry into the VWP, citing past discrimination and harassment of Arab Americans at Israeli borders
Israel has eased access for Palestinian Americans through its borders and the Israeli-occupied West Bank during a pilot period since July 20