Israel Recommends Entry Ban for American Activist Kshama Sawant
Israel's Diaspora Ministry recommended denying entry to American activist Kshama Sawant over her planned West Bank tour and anti-Israel boycott campaigns.
The Ministry of Diaspora Affairs and Combating Antisemitism has recommended that the Population and Immigration Authority deny entry to American activist Kshama Sawant. Ministry Director-General Avi Cohen-Scali submitted the recommendation following Amendment 40 to the Entry into Israel Law, as intelligence indicated Sawant plans to visit the West Bank.
Activist's Background and Planned Tour
Kshama Sawant, a former Seattle City Council member, has actively campaigned for an arms embargo against Israel and the cessation of U.S. military aid. Authorities noted she intended to tour the West Bank alongside the Brussels-based organization IFRD as part of a preliminary campaign for the 2026 olive harvest organized by Faz3a.
"I will be visiting the Israeli-occupied West Bank later this month, thanks to the incredible efforts of activists and organizers on the ground," Sawant posted on X.
Ministerial Decision
Diaspora Affairs Minister Amichai Chikli endorsed the move, stating that the state will not welcome individuals engaging in systematic delegitimization and boycott campaigns.
"Israel will not open its gates to those who consistently work to promote boycotts, embargoes, and delegitimization against it," Minister Chikli declared.
