White House bars some Israeli delegates over COVID-19

The White House Tuesday barred several Israeli delegates from participating in meetings after they tested positive for COVID-19.

Israel President Isaac Herzog arrived at the White House to meet with Joe Biden, but several members of his delegation — including his brother Michael, Israel’s ambassador to Washington — were barred from meetings after failing to show negative results on COVID-19 tests.

According to Israeli media, the incident “raised a panic” and all journalists were told to don masks. 

White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre explained in a Tuesday press briefing that the White House still requires testing for COVID-19 before meeting with Biden.

“So, as you know, we have testing protocols when — anytime somebody meets with the President. So I can tell you that anybody who meets with the President does indeed get tested. I do. We all do,” she told reporters.

Other actions by the Biden administration suggest the pandemic is alive and well in the White House.

Last month, the administration sent an email to lawmakers invited to the White House on College Athlete Day notifying them that those who are unvaccinated will be required to wear masks and practice physical distancing.

"Masking Guidance: Fully vaccinated guests are not required to wear a mask on the White House grounds," the email said. "Guests who are not fully vaccinated must wear a mask at all times and maintain at least 6 feet distance from others while on the White House grounds."

The White House later said the email was sent “inadvertently” but no follow-up email rescinding it was reported.

In January, the White House announced it would enforce the same measures ahead of a reception for freshmen congressmen. Every attendee was forced to complete an “Attestation of Vaccination” prior to the event. The form asked whether the attendee was unvaccinated, partially vaccinated or fully vaccinated. Those not fully vaccinated or who refused to disclose their vaccination status were subjected to forced mask-wearing, and all members had to submit a negative COVID-19 test 24 hours in advance. 

When New York Post reporter Steven Nelson asked Jean-Pierre about Biden’s “arbitrary and unscientific” rules, the press secretary responded, “COVID isn’t over.” 

“We have protections in place to protect staff and the President of the United States. COVID isn’t over. We’ve been very clear about that. Hundreds of Americans are dying every day, and cases are increasing right now, today.”