For Immediate Release
Office of the Press Secretary
Contact: 202-282-8010
TEL AVIV, Israel—Secretary of Homeland Security Janet Napolitano today concluded her visit to Israel, delivering remarks on the Department’s collaboration with international partners to combat terrorism and facilitate trade and travel at the International Institute for Counter-Terrorism, and meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and other Israeli officials to discuss security-related issues.
“The United States remains steadfastly committed to Israel’s security. The bonds between our two nations are unshakeable, lasting and critical to both our peoples,” said Secretary Napolitano.
During her remarks, Secretary Napolitano underscored the importance of partnering with Israel to address shared challenges – from preventing terrorism to securing the global supply chain to preparing for and recovering from natural disasters. Yesterday, Secretary Napolitano and Foreign Minister Avigdor Lieberman announced the expansion of the Global Entry program to include Israel. Global Entry is a risk-based trusted traveler program that expedites pre-approved, low risk travelers through Customs and Immigration at US ports of entry upon arrival, focusing resources on individuals whom we know the least about, while facilitating the flow of lawful people entering the United States.
Secretary Napolitano also met with Minister of Defense Ehud Barak and Minister of Home Front Defense Matan Vilani to discuss cooperation and recent progress on issues related to information sharing, global supply chain security, aviation security and emergency management.
Secretary Napolitano will travel to Jordan on May 22-23 where she will deliver remarks on women in security at the Columbia University Middle East Research Center and meet with King Abdullah II, Prime Minister Fayez Tarawneh, and her counterparts.
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