Israel is blocking two US Democratic lawmakers, who are prominent critics of the Israeli government, from visiting. Ilhan Omar and Rashida Tlaib were due to visit the occupied West Bank and East Jerusalem next week. Both have supported the boycott movement against Israel, but Israeli law allows supporters of the campaign to be banned from visiting.
President Trump earlier tweeted it would show "great weakness" if the pair were allowed entry. Ms Omar described Israel's move as "an insult to democratic values and a chilling response to a visit by government officials from an allied nation". Mr Trump earlier had taken to Twitter to urge that the two lawmakers be blocked from visiting, adding that "they hate Israel & all Jewish people, & there is nothing that can be said or done to change their minds". Ms Omar and Ms Tlaib have both been criticised for their stance on Israel - but have denied charges of being anti-Semitic.
Speaking to reporters later on Thursday, Mr Trump said, "I can't imagine why Israel would let them in. "But if they want to let them in, they can, but I can't imagine why they would do it."
**This story was written by bbcnews.com