Thirteen Americans Denied Entry to Israel Following West Bank Delegation Attempt

A group of 13 American citizens, including four United Methodist clergy, were denied entry into Israel and banned from returning for up to 10 years after attempting to cross the Sheik Hussein Bridge from Jordan on August 13. The delegation, which included interfaith leaders, held a press conference in Atlanta on August 24 to denounce the decision, arguing that the action violates the U.S. visa waiver program and restricts access to the occupied territories.

Led by retired United Methodist minister Rev. Edward Phillips, the group intended to visit Taybeh, a Christian village in the West Bank. Phillips stated the visit was organized in coordination with the Sabeel Ecumenical Liberation Theology Center to witness conditions in the region, including reports of settler vandalism against local churches and property. While Phillips described Sabeel as a nonviolent organization, critics such as NGO Monitor have accused the group of employing antisemitic themes.

Organizers expressed concern that the travel ban is intended to prevent foreigners from observing the situation in the West Bank and East Jerusalem. Israeli authorities have previously condemned incidents of settler violence in the area, though no arrests have been reported in connection with the specific damages cited by the delegation.