Trump Administration Rescinds Disaster Aid Israel Boycott Conditions

The Trump administration announced a policy linking federal disaster aid, totaling about $1.9 billion, to states and cities certifying they do not boycott Israeli companies, targeting the Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions (BDS) movement. This policy mandates that to qualify for funds covering search-and-rescue equipment, emergency salaries, and terrorism prevention, jurisdictions must maintain commercial relations with Israeli firms. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS), which oversees FEMA, initially enforced this condition but later clarified that no new funding conditions tied explicitly to Israel were currently in effect, while reserving the right to deny funds based on anti-discrimination laws addressing BDS. The move has drawn significant backlash from various quarters, including staunch Trump supporters and conservative commentators, who view it as a betrayal of America First principles and criticize its exclusive focus on Israel. Critics also highlight the policy's symbolic nature, given that most states already have anti-BDS laws, and question why it targets only Israel and not other countries. The policy reflects broader tensions within the Republican Party and American public opinion, which has seen declining support for Israel amid ongoing conflict in Gaza.