Allows Real-Time Exchange Of Security Information

DHS Secretary Janet Napolitano (pictured, right) and Israeli Transport and Road Safety Minister Israel Katz met last week to formulate a new agreement to enhance information sharing about civil aviation security incidents, and ensure efficient and effective coordination in response to potential acts of terrorism and other aviation-related public safety emergencies.

“The real-time exchange of information with our international partners is critical to our efforts to enhance overall global aviation security,” said Secretary Napolitano. “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.”

“MOU implementation will further improve the effectiveness of the cooperation between the respective civil aviation security authorities,” said Minister Katz. “Such International collaboration is of particular importance to ensure effective response to the evolving threat to international aviation.”

The Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) recognizes the need for cooperation between the U.S. Transportation Security Administration (TSA) and the Security Department of the Israel MOT to manage aviation-related security incidents, establishing designated points of contact for each agency; protocols for notification in the event of an incident; mechanisms to enhance communication; and regular exercises.

The MOU reflects the both nations’ commitment to coordinate mutual security efforts, shown recently by the stationing of DHS law enforcement personnel in Israel for the first time, as well as the Memorandum of Mutual Understanding between DHS and the Israeli Ministry of Public Security signed on Feb. 7, 2007, which enhanced the ability of the U.S. and Israel to share vital information relating to their respective domestic security concerns, including aviation security, emergency planning and response, and homeland security-related research and protocols.

FMI: www.dhs.gov