Israel's decision to bar the renowned Jewish American scholar Noam Chomsky from entering the West Bank should not come as a surprise. Since its creation 62 years ago, Israel has followed a strict policy of censoring the truth.
Until today, Israel is probably the only place where news agencies have to succumb to military censorship before releasing their reports.
The fact that Chomsky was detained for hours at the borders knowing that he was due to give a lecture at Beir Zeit university, speaks volumes about Israel's discriminatory immigration system and so-called democratic nature. It exposes its campaign against freedom of speech when it comes to highlighting its appalling treatment of Palestinians.
Did the Israeli government think that denying Chomsky access will prevent him from speaking about its criminal and illegal acts? Chomsky, who is a noted international figure, spent decades criticising Israel's policies and actions, most recently Israel's brutal war on Gaza during the winter of 2008-09.
This isn't just about Chomsky. Hundreds of people are denied access to Israel based on their views and even nationalities. Moreover, Palestinians themselves are denied movement within the West Bank and of course, in and out of the Gaza Strip. Looking at the bigger picture, Israel's decision to bar Chomsky from lecturing at Beir Zeit is nothing but a demonstration of this Zionist state's undemocratic and bigoted ways.