The Trump administration has announced that states and cities that boycott Israeli companies will be ineligible for $1.9 billion in federal disaster funding from FEMA, effectively linking disaster relief to support for Israel.

To qualify for this funding, states must certify that they will not sever commercial relations with Israeli companies, which is crucial for expenses like search and rescue equipment and emergency management salaries.

This funding is vital for essential services, including search and rescue equipment and emergency management salaries, as detailed in grant notices reviewed by Reuters.

Experts warn that this move could jeopardize disaster funding for U.S. communities, raising concerns about the implications for citizens during natural disasters.

Critics argue that tying disaster assistance to Israel's economic interests undermines the 'America First' principle, prioritizing foreign interests over the well-being of American citizens.

Opponents, including representatives from the Council on American-Islamic Relations, contend that linking disaster aid to compliance with this policy is unconstitutional and detrimental to human rights.

The requirement has drawn criticism from BDS supporters, with Mahmoud Nawajaa calling it 'shameful,' while the American Jewish Committee supports the administration's stance as a necessary measure against antisemitism.

This decision reflects the administration's broader strategy to leverage federal funding to promote its political stance on Israel, amid ongoing violence in Gaza that has resulted in significant humanitarian crises.

As of September 2023, 38 states had laws preventing boycotts of Israeli companies, limiting the impact of the new rule, which primarily affects a few cities like Richmond, California, and Hamtramck, Michigan.

Major cities must comply with the Israel policy to access $553.5 million designated for terrorism prevention, with New York City expected to receive the largest allocation based on assessed terrorism risk.

The Department of Homeland Security has emphasized that the BDS movement is rooted in antisemitism, asserting that anti-discrimination laws will be enforced against it.

Previous instances of linking federal funding to political compliance include President Trump's threats to withhold disaster relief from California due to disagreements with Governor Gavin Newsom.