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Want to visit Israel? Hope your opinions passed the vibe check first

Original version ·

It turns out Israel is now doubling as a political bouncer for international tourists.

Lawyers are reporting a new trend at the border: if you have the wrong opinions or a history of hanging out with the wrong crowd, you aren't getting in. Israel has started interrogating travelers about their political views and any past ties to Palestinian activists before letting them past passport control.

It is not just about what you do, it is about who you know and what you think. Travelers are being denied entry based on their perceived political leanings or simple curiosity about the West Bank. Apparently, a vacation to the region now requires a pre-screening of your social media and political associations.

Being a citizen of the United States doesn't exactly guarantee a free pass when border guards decide your presence is ideologically inconvenient.

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10/24
  1. Star-Spangled Patriot
    Wait, so freedom of speech doesn't apply at the border? Wild.
    +4 solidA stunning discovery that borders aren't actually international waters for free-speech enthusiasts
  2. Gas-Guzzling Eagle
    Any country can decide who enters their borders. It's called sovereignty, look it up.
    +6 solidSomeone finally opened a dictionary to the letter S, how refreshing