Alejandro Mayorkas, deputy secretary of homeland security, last week signed a joint statement with his Israeli government counterparts reaffirming both countries’ commitment to cooperating on cybersecurity issues, according to a Department of Homeland Security (DHS) statement.
A part of a three-day trip to Israel to discuss homeland security issues, Mayorkas met with the head of the Israel national cyber bureau, Dr. Eviatar Matania, senior cyber officials in the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) and cyber industry representatives to discuss areas of cooperation and opportunities for joint investment in cybersecurity.
The joint statement noted international cooperation is essential for preparing for the growing challenges in cyber security while both countries should continue to enhance their partnership to strengthen their cyber threat resilience, an Israeli release said.
While in Israel, Mayorkas also met with Israeli Minister of Public Security Gilad Erdan, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Tzipi Hotovely, Interior Minister and Vice Prime Minister SIlvan Shalom, and Foreign Affairs and Defense Chairman in the Knesset Tzachi Hanegbi.
In the various meetings, Mayorkas highlighted the importance of working with Israel to focus on shared security challenges. He also reiterated the department’s commitment to improving aviation security and to sharing information with international law enforcements and counterterrorism allies.