Israel rejects US request on Ebola relief in Africa

Defense Minister Moshe Ya’alon says assisting in medical relief in Liberia and Sierra Leone would risk infecting Israeli personnel

By JTA 3 October 2014, 8:59 am Edit

Health workers outside Connaught Hospital after the arrival of a patient with symptoms of the Ebola virus in the city of Freetown, Sierra Leone, August 4, 2014. (photo credit: AP/Youssouf Bah)

Israel, citing health considerations, turned down a request from the United States to assist in medical relief in Ebola-stricken West African countries.

Defense Minister Moshe Ya’alon rejected the request, which first came to the Foreign Ministry from Samantha Power, the US envoy to the United Nations, Ynet reported on Wednesday.

Ya’alon said it would risk infecting Israeli medical teams and the army troops that would secure them, according to Ynet. Israel’s assistance was sought in Liberia and Sierra Leone.

In the request, Power cited Israel’s past successes in providing medical relief in disaster-stricken areas.

The Foreign Ministry favored the request, Ynet said, but sought the approval of the Defense Ministry.