Newsletter
Newsletter Support JNS

Israeli defense minister hails ‘powerful ties’ with US during meeting with FEMA chief

Yoav Gallant met with Deanne Criswell to discuss issues related to disaster response and preparedness.

Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant meets with the head of the U.S. Federal Emergency Management Agency Deanne Criswell, May 1, 2023. Credit: Israeli Defense Ministry.
Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant meets with the head of the U.S. Federal Emergency Management Agency Deanne Criswell, May 1, 2023. Credit: Israeli Defense Ministry.

Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant met on Monday with U.S. Federal Emergency Management Agency Director Deanne Criswell to discuss issues related to disaster response and preparedness.

“The partnership between FEMA and the IDF’s Homefront Command reflects another layer in the powerful ties between the U.S. and Israel’s security establishments,” said Gallant.

In March, Israel hosted a four-day international exercise simulating the reception of foreign aid in the event of a major earthquake. The drill simulated all necessary emergency procedures, including the initial decision to request international assistance, integrating foreign rescue teams and the receipt and distribution of aid.

Some 120 people from 18 countries participated, with the teams also simulating scenarios related to search and rescue operations, evacuation drills and damage assessment processes.

Israel is considered a world leader in disaster response and has sent emergency response and humanitarian aid teams across the globe.

“The legal system has sent a clear message. Illegal activity that compromises public safety is allowed in the Bay Area,” Tali Klima of Bay Area Jewish Coalition told JNS.
The Irgun vessel will serve as a “tangible symbol” of the imperative to never descend into civil war, the Israeli premier said.
Ambassador Tom Barrack clarified his comments regarding Israeli control of the strategic plateau after drawing rebukes from Jerusalem and Capitol Hill.
Pollard will run on the slate of the newly formed Israel First Party founded by Israel’s former deputy foreign minister Sharon Haskel.