US Lawmakers Plan to Retaliate Against the Maldives for Banning Israeli Passport Holders

Maldives' Controversial Decision Sparks Outrage in the US

US lawmakers have expressed their indignation at the Maldives for its recent decision to prohibit Israeli passport holders from entering the country. This move is a response to alleged war crimes linked to Israel's contentious military operations in Gaza. The Maldives, an Indian Ocean archipelago state, is renowned for its luxury resorts and high-end travel in picturesque beach locations. The president's office announced on Sunday that the cabinet is updating the national entry laws to enforce this ban on Israeli passport holders.

US Congress Members Seek to Penalize Maldives

Several members of the US Congress are taking steps to reprimand the Maldives for this contentious decision. Representative Josh Gottheimer (D-NJ) is drafting legislation that could potentially cut all aid to the Muslim-majority nation. Gottheimer, a well-known and vocal supporter of Israel, is collaborating with colleagues from both parties on the bill, which will be named the Protecting Allied Travel Here (PATH) Act.

The Implications of the PATH Act

The PATH Act would make US aid to the Maldives contingent on the removal of its travel ban. This would essentially be a form of sanctions, as it would prohibit current aid. Gottheimer stated that taxpayer dollars should not be given to a foreign nation that has banned all Israeli citizens from visiting their country. He further argued that Israel is one of America's greatest democratic allies, and the Maldives' travel ban is a clear act of anti-Semitism. He insists that the Maldives should not receive any American funds until they reverse this policy.

Maldives' Stance on the Issue

The Maldivian government has defended its anti-Israel policies as a show of solidarity with Palestinians. In December, the country imposed a docking ban, preventing Israeli ships from using its ports. The Times of Israel has reported that nearly 11,000 Israelis visited the Maldives last year, accounting for 0.6 percent of the country's foreign tourist arrivals. In addition to the Maldives, there are 27 other Muslim-majority countries that currently ban Israeli passport holders, most of which are in the Middle East and North Africa.

What are your thoughts on this matter?

This article presents a complex and contentious issue. What are your thoughts on the Maldives' decision to ban Israeli passport holders, and the US lawmakers' response? It's a topic that could spark a lot of discussion, so why not share it with your friends and see what they think? You can also sign up for the Daily Briefing, which is available every day at 6pm.