Israel's Ministry of Foreign Affairs defended its decision to bar an anti-Israel activist from entering the country. Mauricio Abu Ghosh is the President
of a group called the Palestinian Federation of Chile and a vocal supporter of the PFLP and other terrorist organizations. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs issues a statement which read, "Mr. Abu Ghosh has systematically incited the Chilean public against Israel by disseminating demonizing libels based on racial slurs against the Jewish people and by justifying terrorism against Israeli civilians."
The statement added, "Israel reiterates its long standing tradition of welcoming everyone who wishes to visit the country in good faith. However, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs wishes to clarify that under the Entry Into Israel Law (1952) (Articles 9 and 10) and in accordance with accepted state practice under international law, the Israeli Minister of Interior has the authority to deny non-citizens entrance into national territory."