[5] In both the House and Senate versions the bill declares that Israel is a major strategic partner of the United States.

The Senate version specifies that satisfaction of the requirements regarding reciprocal travel privileges for U.S. citizens would be subject to security concerns.

[7] The bills have been promoted by the American Israel Public Affairs Committee ("AIPAC"), including at its annual conference in March 2013.

[4][8] AIPAC says that the bill's designation of Israel as a major strategic ally would be beneficial to the United States, as the "Middle East [is] in turmoil."

[9] An assistant legislative director at the American Jewish Committee stated that Israel had a "relatively low visa refusal rate," despite heavy screening and security procedures.

"[10] James Zogby, president of the Arab American Institute, has lobbied against the Senate language, and said passage of such a law would codify discriminatory treatment.