Trump Administration Links Federal Aid to Israel Support

The Trump Administration mandates U.S. states and cities to maintain commercial relations with Israeli companies to receive federal aid for disaster preparedness. This move targets the BDS movement and ties $1.9 billion in funding to states' compliance with pro-Israel policies, drawing mixed reactions from advocacy groups.

The Trump administration has announced that U.S. states and cities must maintain commercial relations with Israeli companies to qualify for federal aid aimed at natural disaster preparedness, as per the Federal Emergency Management Agency's grant notices. This requirement is tied to promoting the administration's political stance on Israel.

A condition requiring states to certify they will not cut commercial ties with Israeli companies applies to at least $1.9 billion earmarked for essential services like search-and-rescue equipment and emergency manager salaries. This move is part of the administration's broader effort to advocate its views on Israel.

The Department of Homeland Security mandates that boycotting Israel is prohibited for grant funds recipients. Additionally, FEMA requires states to use a portion of terrorism prevention funds for capturing migrants. The requirement challenges the BDS movement, which has gained momentum, especially post-conflicts in 2023, inviting mixed reactions from various groups.

(With inputs from agencies.)