FM Ashkenazi: Israel’s rapid mobilization and the departure of a relief mission is representative of the close friendship between our nations and of the excellent relations our two countries share across a wide range of areas.
(Communicated by the MFA Spokesperson)
At the initiative and funding of the Foreign Ministry, and in cooperation with the Ministry of Public Security, a mission of firefighters is set to depart from Israel to California shortly to assist in managing a wave of wildfires in the country.
The mission is expected to depart on Sunday morning (30 August 2020), and will remain for approximately two weeks. The mission will include officers and firefighters from Israel’s Fire and Rescue Services, rescue and forest fire experts, and a Foreign Ministry representative.
The Foreign Ministry organized the departure of the mission and coordinated its operations with the American authorities, through the Israeli consulate in San Francisco. The Fire and Rescue Services Commissioner is leading the consolidation of the mission, as well as its operations at the fire sites.
The launch of this mission follows intensive communication between the Foreign Ministry and the US Embassy in Israel, as well as the Israeli consulate in San Francisco and the authorities in the United States, in order to identify the United States’ needs in managing the wildfires and arrange the necessary approvals.
Minister of Foreign Affairs Gabi Ashkenazi: “The departure of a relief mission to the United States, and Israel’s rapid mobilization to assist its friend the United States, is representative of the close friendship between our nations and of the excellent relations our two countries share across a wide range of areas. I bless the mission’s members and wish them luck in their important undertaking.”