The news highlights that the Biden administration is on the verge of extending a special privilege to Israeli citizens by allowing them to travel to the United States without the need for a visa. This development is set to be officially announced later this week, conveniently timed just before the end of the federal budget year.
The Visa Waiver Program, which presently includes 40 countries, enables citizens from these nations to visit the United States for a maximum of three months without the requirement of obtaining a visa. Israel is anticipated to become the 41st country to join this program.
This decision follows extensive negotiations and discussions that have taken place over several months. Interestingly, it comes only eight days after a meeting between President Joe Biden and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu during the United Nations General Assembly.
Additionally, it’s worth noting that the Biden administration has been actively engaged in efforts to normalize relations between Israel and Saudi Arabia, which adds a broader diplomatic context to this development.