The Christmas terror attack in the United States raised questions on aviation security whether security programs in other countries, including Israel, could serve as a template for revamping anti-terror procedures.
The Israeli government and the Department of Homeland Security are taking coordination to the next level, signing a memorandum of understanding to share information on civil aviation security incidents.
The most recent MOU follows a 2007 umbrella document on information sharing during a broad swath of emergency situations.
DHS Secretary Janet Napolitano said:
“The real-time exchange of information with our international partners is critical to our efforts to enhance overall global aviation security… This agreement will allow the United States and Israel to better coordinate on and respond to potential aviation security incidents to strengthen our mutual safety.”
Israeli Transport and Road Safety Minister Israel Katz said:
“MOU implementation will further improve the effectiveness of the cooperation between the respective civil aviation security authorities… Such International collaboration is of particular importance to ensure effective response to the evolving threat to international aviation.”