Senate bill calls for new U.S.-Israeli cybersecurity center

July 31 (UPI) -- A pair of U.S. senators have introduced legislation aimed at creating a joint cybersecurity apparatus with Israel, which would join multiple information sectors to safeguard key infrastructure of both nations.

Sens. Jacky Rosen of Nevada and Mike Rounds of South Dakota introduced the US-Israel Cybersecurity Center of Excellence Act on Tuesday.

The bill explores the benefits of a joint cybsecsecurity operation, which would be driven by experts in government, higher education, and the civilian sector.

"We must address it immediately," Rosen said in a statement. "By collaborating with our allies, we can better strengthen our cybersecurity defenses.

This bipartisan legislation would help us take much-needed steps towards establishing a joint cybersecurity research center with Israel, our closes tally in the Middle-East and a major hub for new and emerging cybersecurity technologies."

Rosen and Rounds, chairman of a Senate cybersecurity subcommittee, said the United States and Israel already work in this fashion in the fields of energy and water technology.

"Partnering with this close ally on a cybersecurity center of excellence, where experts can share best practices and other critical information, can help us bolster the cyber capabilities of both nations," Rounds added.

Bipartisan House lawmakers introduced a similar bill in May.