IDF delegation to assist in Honduras after hurricane

Israel will send a Home Front Command delegation to Honduras to assist the Central American country that was battered by a powerful hurricane this month, the Defense and Foreign Ministries say in a joint statement.

The Israel Defense Forces says the delegation will include 15 reserve officers from the Home Front Command led by Col. (res.) Golan Wach, the commander of Israel’s national search and rescue unit. The spokesperson for Israel’s embassy in Mexico, Tal Yitzhakov, will also travel with the team.

Hurricane Eta struck the eastern coast of Central America earlier this month, causing over 200 deaths in total, nearly half of them — 94 — in Honduras.

“In the area hit by the hurricane, many thousands have been left without a home. Professional assistance is also needed in directing and rehabilitating the region,” the joint statement reads.

According to the IDF, the delegation will operate in the country’s northeast, which was hardest hit, and will assess the damage to the country’s infrastructure.

“The delegation will also assist the country in building a plan to prevent similar catastrophes in the future,” the military says.

The IDF adds that the team will adhere to the necessary coronavirus regulations to protect the health of the participants.

— Judah Ari Gross