Joe Biden admin poised to let Israelis travel to US without visa

WASHINGTON: The Biden administration is poised to admit Israel this week into an exclusive club that will allow its citizens to travel to the USA without a visa despite Washington's ongoing concerns about the Israeli government's treatment of Palestinian Americans. US officials say an announcement of Israel's entry into the Visa Waiver Program is planned for late in the week, just before the end of the federal budget year on Saturday, which is the deadline for Israel's admission without having to requalify for eligibility next year. The department of homeland security administers the program, which currently allows citizens of 40 mostly European and Asian countries to travel to the US for three months without visas. Homeland security secretary is set to make the announcement Thursday, according to five officials.