Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Avigdor
Liberman and U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security Janet Napolitano signed
a letter of intent in Jerusalem on Sunday, May 20, 2012 regarding
Israel's entry into the U.S. Global Entry program, that will expedite
clearance for Israeli citizens who frequently visit the United States.
In return, Israel will set up a special procedure to expedite clearance
for frequent American visitors upon arrival in Israel.
“This agreement is part of the United States' strong and enduring
partnership with Israel, dedicated to ensuring the safety and security
of both our countries,” said Secretary Napolitano. “Global Entry will
expedite the customs and security process for trusted Israeli air
travelers arriving in the United States, while maintaining the highest
standards of security.”
Global Entry aims to ease the entry of foreign and American citizens
to the US. Six countries are currently participating in the program -
Britain, Holland, Qatar, Austria, New Zealand and Japan – and 330,000
persons have registered.