(ENEWSPF). US Secretary of Homeland Security (DHS) Janet Napolitano today met bilaterally with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, as well as Israeli Finance Minister Dr. Yuval Steinitz, Foreign Minister Avigdor Lieberman and Public Security Minister Yitzhak Aharonovich, to discuss the ongoing partnership between the United States and Israel, threats from terrorism that both countries face, and DHS' commitment to working with Israel to expand operational and technological cooperation on homeland security issues.
“As a steadfast ally to Israel, the United States is committed to continuing our strong partnership to protect both countries against new and evolving terrorist threats, The Department of Homeland Security will continue to work closely with the Israeli government and other nations around the world to strengthen the security of the international aviation system, secure the global supply chain, protect our vital cyber networks and infrastructure, and enhance disaster preparedness and response capabilities.”
In her meetings, Secretary Napolitano also discussed the Department's ongoing efforts to combat the illicit diversion and trafficking of precursor chemicals that terrorist and other criminal organizations use to manufacture improvised explosive devices (IEDs) and the need for the United States and Israel to continue to work together to protect citizens of both countries from threats of terrorism.
Secretary Napolitano also visited Ben Gurion International Airport to meet with airport officials to discuss ways both nations are enhancing global aviation security while streamlining legitimate travel and trade. The United States and Israel work closely together to share information about terrorists and other individuals who may pose a security threat.