Federal Aid Tied to Anti-BDS Stance Raises Concerns
The Trump administration mandates U.S. states and cities to avoid boycotting Israeli companies to qualify for federal disaster preparedness aid. This condition, seen as an attempt to counter the BDS movement, applies to $1.9 billion in grants. It reflects the administration's broader Israel-supportive stance.
The Trump administration recently announced a controversial mandate linking federal disaster preparedness aid to states and cities' policies regarding Israeli companies. U.S. states that choose to boycott Israeli companies will face denial of federal assistance, in a move tying routine funding to political views.
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) specified that states must certify they will not sever commercial ties with Israeli firms to access a pot of at least $1.9 billion. This requirement, as reviewed by Reuters, covers essential expenses, including search-and-rescue equipment and emergency manager salaries.
This move targets the Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions (BDS) movement and is supported by groups like the American Jewish Committee, though it remains essentially symbolic. With 34 states already having anti-BDS laws, the mandate reflects a broader agenda to integrate political stances within federal funding directives.
(With inputs from agencies.)
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