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US Ambassador Slams Israeli Media for 'Fake News' on Visa Waiver
On Wednesday, October 7, 2026, U.S. Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee denied reports claiming that the visa waiver program for Israelis traveling to the United States is in jeopardy or undergoing changes.
4 newsrooms · 3 languages · sinceWhat happened
- 01U.S. Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee denied reports that the visa waiver program for Israelis traveling to the United States is undergoing changes.
- 02Huckabee criticized Israel's Channel 12 News for publishing what he termed "fake news" regarding the safety of the visa exemption.
- 03The ambassador assured Israeli citizens that the current travel arrangements and visa exemption policy remain fully in place and unaffected.
- 04The denial was issued on Wednesday, October 7, 2026, to counter misinformation circulating across various media channels.
- 05Huckabee aimed to alleviate public confusion and concern by clarifying that no alterations have been made to the travel policy.
Huckabee refuted a specific report by Israel's Channel 12 News, which had suggested that the visa exemption policy for Israeli citizens was at risk. The ambassador characterized the media reports as "fake news" and assured the public that the current travel arrangements remain completely unaffected. He criticized the media outlet for publishing false information regarding the status of the program.
According to the ambassador, no alterations have been made to the policy, and the existing arrangement remains fully in place. His statements were aimed at countering misinformation circulating in media channels, clarifying the status of the program, and alleviating any potential confusion or concern among Israeli citizens planning to travel to the United States.
The ambassador's public clarification emphasized that the exemption policy remains unchanged, ensuring that Israelis do not need a visa for U.S. travel under the current terms. Huckabee firmly dismissed the publications suggesting alterations to the exemption policy, asserting that the current travel status for Israeli citizens remains secure.
Summarized by baba from the reports of 3 newsrooms. Updated
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