US allows Israelis to visit the country for 90 days without a visa

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Officials did not cite any reason for the changed timeline. But just days after Israel's admittance to the visa waiver programme, Hamas launched attacks against numerous locations in southern Israel. Since then, the Israeli military has relentlessly attacked locations in the Gaza Strip as it prepares for a ground invasion.

Under the waiver program, Israelis first need to register with the Electronic System for Travel Authorization. That's an automated system that helps determine whether the person is eligible to travel, Homeland Security said in the news release. The process can take up to 72 hours. Then they can travel to the US.

To be eligible, Israelis must have a biometrically enabled passport. Those who don't have such a passport need to apply for a US visa, the department said.

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Countries that want to take part in the visa program have to meet three critical benchmarks. Israel met two of those benchmarks over the past two years: a low percentage of Israelis who applied for visas and were rejected and a low percentage of Israelis who have overstayed their visas. Israel had struggled to meet the third, for reciprocity that essentially means all US citizens, including Palestinian Americans, must be treated equally when travelling to or through Israel.

Many critics said that despite American assertions, Palestinian Americans were still facing discrimination when traveling to Israel.

Meanwhile, as anti-US protests increase, the Biden administration issued a worldwide caution for Americans travelling overseas. "Due to increased tensions in various locations around the world, the potential for terrorist attacks, demonstrations or violent actions against US citizens and interests, the Department of State advises US citizens overseas to exercise increased caution,” the travel advisory said.

"US citizens should stay alert in locations frequented by tourists," the advisory said.