WASHINGTON (JTA) — U.S. and Israeli officials discounted reports that the Obama administration is denying visas to Israeli nuclear scientists.
In recent days, a number of conservative groups have seized upon a story in the Israeli daily Ma’ariv that cited anonymous sources as saying that scientists associated with Dimona’s nuclear reactor were having trouble obtaining visas for study or conferences in the United States. Top U.S. officials have denied the story’s validity.
"We value greatly our academic and scientific exchanges with Israel and will continue to promote these important exchanges," one government official told JTA.
The National Jewish Democratic Council cited Israeli officials who said, "Israel does not perceive any change in the U.S. policy regarding this matter."
The story comes as Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu backed out at the last minute from attending President Obama’s nuclear policy summit; Netanyahu cited concerns that other nations at the summit would assail Israel’s policy of "opacity," in which Israel refuses to confirm or deny whether it has nuclear weapons.
