Israel promoting international disaster aid force

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced he has spoken to Greek, Russian, Egyptian, Jordanian and Palestinian leaders regarding his plan to set up a regional fire extinguishing force which will also aid in cases of natural disasters.

Netanyahu said that the aid given to Israel following the Carmel fire disaster "should pose as a model for additional collaborations in the region." The prime minister said he hoped Turkey and other countries would join the initiative. (Roni Sofer)