Immigration Authority rejects German journalist's work visa application over anti-Zionist politics

The Population and Immigration Authority in Israel has rejected German journalist Serena Bilanceri's work visa application, preventing her from becoming the permanent Israel correspondent for the German newspaper Die Tageszeitung (taz). This decision was based on an official recommendation from Avi Cohen Scali, director-general of the Diaspora Affairs and Combating Antisemitism Ministry, who submitted it under Amendment 40 to the Entry into Israel Law.

This law allows authorities to deny entry and visas to individuals acting against the state, including those who make anti-Israel statements. Bilanceri, a 43-year-old journalist of Italian descent who covers the regional conflict from Jordan, Syria, and Israel, had published several opinion articles accusing Israel of apartheid and calling for international sanctions.

Her recent articles in November and September 2025 specifically criticized Israel's policies in Gaza and called for economic and military sanctions against the country. The decision was made in accordance with an agreement between the ministries to share information and recommendations in such cases.

Brief written by urgent.news from Jerusalem Post's own syndicated text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.