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.

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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.