Federal Funding Guidelines Restrict Boycotts Against Israel

According to new funding guidelines from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), boycotting Israeli companies disqualifies entities from receiving federal disaster preparedness assistance. A series of grant notices released by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) outlined that applicants must adhere to these terms of service published by DHS.

This policy, announced in April, specifically prohibits participation in boycotts against Israel, impacting approximately $1.9 billion in FEMA funding. Under these guidelines, any applicant involved in what the policy describes as “non-discriminatory boycotts” will be ineligible for funding. A prohibited boycott is defined as circumstances that include reducing or restricting commercial relationships with Israeli firms or those established under Israeli law.

These terms are part of grants allocated for emergency response systems, which include $300 million aimed at supporting state and local emergency management agencies. Additionally, $1 billion has been allocated to prevent terrorism and manage catastrophic events. Major cities will also have to align themselves with policies related to cooperation with Israeli interests.

A spokesperson for DHS stated that the agency upholds all laws and policies related to differentiation, specifically speaking to boycott, divest, and sanction policies.

Neither FEMA nor DHS offered any comments in response to requests from the Daily Caller News Foundation. Funding limitations are being scrutinized amid growing criticism of Israel, particularly concerning its ongoing conflict with Hamas. President Trump has consistently maintained a strong pro-Israel stance, despite facing increasing criticism from some within his party.