India, Aug. 16 -- Israel barred two Democratic Muslim women members of the U.S. House of Representatives from visiting the country apparently under pressure from the leader of its biggest ally.

Reps Rashida Tlaib and Ilhan Omar, who are known critics of Israel and President Donald Trump, had scheduled to visit Jerusalem and Palestinian cities of Bethlehem, Hebron and Ramallah this weekend.

The lawmakers' trip was canceled after Israel announced they would not be allowed to enter the country, citing their support for the Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions (BDS) movement, which advocates the boycott of Israel.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said that the travel itinerary provided by Omar and Tlaib prove that the "sole purpose o...