Ayelet Shaked: "I Want to Thank Two Individuals"

The former Minister of the Interior, Ayelet Shaked, welcomes the official approval of a visa exemption to the United States for Israeli citizens and wishes to thank two people.

On her Twitter ('X') account, Shaked wrote: "That's it, we finally did it. Israeli citizens received a visa exemption for the USA."

Shaked added: "Many people worked to make this happen, but I want to say thanks to two in particular. To the Minister of Homeland Defense, Alejandro Mayorkas, who was optimistic from day one. And to Ambassador Tom Nides, who was very determined from day one."

After years of rumors and preparations, now it's official: the US government announced today (Wednesday) Israel's addition to the list of visa-exempt countries when Israelis will be able to enter the country without a visa, starting this coming November. Israel is the 41st country to join the American program.

Acting US Ambassador to Israel, Stephanie Hallett, said "I want to congratulate Israel as a 41st member of the Visa Waiver Program - so congratulations. This decision shows the close relationship between the two countries."

However, Hallett clarified that "it's not that Israelis can now travel to Israel and fly to the US freely." According to the plan, Israelis will have to fill out a virtual form and apply online, after which a residence visa of up to 90 days will be received within 72 hours. The visa exemption is granted for tourism and business purposes, with the approval valid for two years.