Officials shoot down rumor of visa denials

U.S. and Israeli officials discounted reports that the Obama administration is denying visas to Israeli nuclear scientists.

In recent days, a number of conservative groups have seized upon a story in the Israeli daily Ma’ariv that cited anonymous sources as saying that scientists associated with Dimona’s nuclear reactor were having trouble obtaining visas for study or conferences in the United States. Top U.S. officials have denied the story’s validity.

“We value greatly our academic and scientific exchanges with Israel and will continue to promote these important exchanges,” one government official said. — jta