The Israeli government said it will allow Rep. Rashida Tlaib to visit her relatives in an announcement Friday, one day after denying her and Rep. Ilhan Omar entry into the country because of their support for the boycott, divestment, and sanctions movement against Israel.
Tlaib wrote to Interior Minister Aryeh Deri on Thursday requesting that she be allowed to visit her grandmother, who is in her 90s and lives in the West Bank, and other relatives.
“This could be my last opportunity to see her. I will respect any restrictions and will not promote boycotts against Israel during my visit,” the Michigan Democrat wrote.
The ministry said it hoped Tlaib would honor her promise to not promote boycott activity during the trip. She is expected to visit her family sometime next week and won’t be accompanied by Omar.
Israel’s earlier decision to not allow the two Democratic congresswomen, who are Muslim, into the country during their trip this weekend was widely condemned. President Trump pressed Israeli leaders to block them and lashed out at the congresswomen in several tweets.
“It would show great weakness if Israel allowed Rep. Omar and Rep. Tlaib to visit,” the president tweeted on Thursday. “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!”
[Related: ‘Wrong and unwise’: Pro-Israel Democrats slam blocking of Tlaib and Omar]
