FEMA Funds Tied to Israel Boycott Stance

The Trump administration has announced that states and cities will miss out on federal funds to bolster disaster preparedness if they engage in boycotts against Israeli companies. According to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), grantees must confirm they will not cease commercial relations with Israeli businesses to qualify for the funding.

This policy impacts at least $1.9 billion, which covers expenses such as search and rescue equipment and emergency management salaries. This marks another instance where the administration leverages federal funds to promote its political objectives, including stipulating that states use terrorism prevention funds to aid in the arrest of migrants.

The anti-boycott requirement targets the Boycott, Divestment, Sanctions (BDS) movement, advocating economic pressure on Israel over its Palestinian occupation. Homeland Security emphasizes the enforcement of anti-discrimination laws related to the BDS, which it associates with antisemitism. While largely symbolic, at least 34 states have already adopted anti-BDS laws or policies, as per a University of Pennsylvania study. FEMA mandates major cities to adhere to this policy to secure a portion of $553.5 million for anti-terrorism in dense areas.

(With inputs from agencies.)