The husband makes clear that he initially presented only credit card and israeli license. That he hadn’t given a passport in 15 years of renting, and hadn’t this time either.
The wife’s statement I think makes clear that the office agent was never offered a passport.
“There was no way they would rent a car with that license. There was no way to reason with them.”
He only offered a passport during a conversation with the national agent on the phone, after they confirmed that the agent and manager were correct in requesting a passport. Unfortunately by that time his behavior had convinced the office that they didn’t want to rent to him. (according to his own words in the article)
The earlier official statement from avis confirmed that a passport or international drivers license is required from foreigners. Doesn’t change if an earlier agent neglected to ask for one, though it explains the confusion
Since I have no passport and don’t travel, you might know this question. In the US, do foreigners have to carry visas and passports with them on their person?