The government on Sunday approved a decision to cancel the law forcing tourists from Russia and other former Soviet nations to obtain a visa prior to entering Israel. The change will be finalized only if Russia cancels visas for Israeli tourists in return. Tourism Minister Yitzhak Aharonovitch (Israel Beiteinu) expressed hope that the cancellation of the visas would help raise Israel's tourism income by hundreds of millions. Internal Security Minister Avi Dichter (Kadima) voted in favor of the proposal despite opposing it in the past claiming it would lead to a rise in crime and prostitution.