The Israeli government confirmed Thursday plans to bar two progressive Democrats’ entry into Israel. The two U.S. lawmakers, Rep. Ilhan Omar (D-MN) and Rep. Rashida Tlaib (D-MI) are active supporters of the Boycott, Divestment, & Sanctions (BDS) movement against Israel and they planned a trip for later this month. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s move is consistent with Israeli law which prohibits entry for anyone actively boycotting Israel. That law has been in place since 2017.

“The State of Israel respects the US Congress, as part of the close alliance, but it is inconceivable that anyone who wishes to harm the State of Israel will be allowed, even during the visit,” an Israeli government statement said.

Before the Israeli government’s announcement, President Trump said on Twitter, “It would show great weakness if Israel allowed Rep. Omar and Rep. Tlaib to visit. They hate Israel & all Jewish people, & there is nothing that can be said or done to change their minds,” President Trump said on Twitter, “Minnesota and Michigan will have a hard time putting them back in office. They are a disgrace!”

It would show great weakness if Israel allowed Rep. Omar and Rep.Tlaib to visit. They hate Israel & all Jewish people, & there is nothing that can be said or done to change their minds. Minnesota and Michigan will have a hard time putting them back in office. They are a disgrace! — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) August 15, 2019

Following the announcement, Trump said, “Representatives Omar and Tlaib are the face of Democrat Party, and they HATE Israel!”

Representatives Omar and Tlaib are the face of the Democrat Party, and they HATE Israel! — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) August 15, 2019

Last month, Omar and Tlaib presented legislation to congress allowing boycotts both “at home and abroad.” The move reflected their continued anti-Israel rhetoric and criticism of pro-Israel groups like AIPAC.

The Progressives Push Back

Leftist groups and lawmakers are pushing back against Netanyahu’s decision. IfNotNow, a group advocating against the so-called “Israeli occupation,” called the move “authoritarian.” Omar reacted on Twitter sharing a statement that “It is an affront that Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu, under pressure from President Trump, would deny entry to representatives of the U.S. government.”

It is an affront that Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu, under pressure from President Trump, would deny entry to representatives of the U.S. government. My full statement: pic.twitter.com/v00ESmehXT — Rep. Ilhan Omar (@Ilhan) August 15, 2019

Tlaib joined Omar sharing a photo on Twitter with the caption, “This woman right here is my sity. She deserves to live in peace & with human dignity. I am who I am because of her. The decision by Israel to bar her granddaughter, a U.S. Congresswoman, is a sign of weakness b/c the truth of what is happening to Palestinians is frightening.”