Israel Deports American Journalist for "Anti-Israeli" Political Views

The Washington Post:

JERUSALEM -- The American editor of a Palestinian news agency was removed from Israel on Wednesday after being questioned by authorities about his "anti-Israeli" views.

The case highlights what some nonprofit organizations say is a tightened Israeli policy toward foreign nationals who live or work in the occupied West Bank. It comes during an intensifying feud, as well, over foreign government funding for organizations seen to promote Palestinian interests -- including efforts by Israeli politicians and non-governmental organizations to curb the flow of money from outside.

Jared Malsin, chief English editor of the Maan News Agency, based in the West Bank city of Bethlehem, was detained a week ago at Israel's Ben Gurion International Airport and denied entry to the country.

Malsin has worked for the news agency -- a nonprofit organization supported by grants from the U.S. and European governments and the United Nations -- for two and a half years, relying on a series of three-month tourist visas to extend his stay without a work permit. The technique is used by some foreign employees and volunteers of organizations based in Palestinian areas, who say they face difficulty acquiring work visas from the Israeli government.

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