Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, a Republican, has orchestrated the dispatch of an extensive array of weapons and supplies to Israel amidst its ongoing conflict with the Hamas terrorist organization. This gesture underscores his unwavering support for Israel as he vies for the U.S. presidency in the 2024 elections.
Drones and protective equipment (including body armor and medical supplies are being shipped to Israel via cargo planes. Additionally, Florida is collaborating with private entities to facilitate the provision of both weaponry and ammunition to Israel. This initiative is in response to a request from the Israeli Consul General in Miami, as disclosed by Jeremy Redfern, a representative from the governor’s office.
DeSantis’ decision to supply aid to Israel aligns with his ongoing presidential campaign for the 2024 elections, where he is contending with other Republican candidates. His competitors include former President Donald Trump, entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy, ex-United Nations Ambassador Nikki Haley, and Senator Tim Scott from South Carolina.
The Israel-Hamas conflict has escalated, particularly following an attack by Hamas on October 7, which resulted in numerous fatalities and thousands being taken hostage. This situation is anticipated to be a focal point of discussion among the 2024 presidential candidates.
In addition to supplying Israel with necessary resources, DeSantis has been actively involved in repatriating U.S. citizens from Israel. He shared on social media that the state-led Israel Rescue Operation has successfully brought back nearly 700 individuals. He also confirmed the arrival of two aircraft in Israel, carrying a total of 85 pallets of supplies.
DeSantis is taking a firm stance against entities that are anti-Israel. He recently announced that the financial services company Morningstar has been added to Florida’s List of Scrutinized Companies that Boycott Israel. He emphasized that any company engaging in discriminatory practices against Israel will face consequences.
This week, DeSantis ordered the shutdown of Students for Justice in Palestine (SJP) chapters across the state after the group vocally supported the October 7 Hamas attack on Israel.
Chancellor Ray Rodrigues has announced that the student chapters must be deactivated due to the National SJP’s support of terrorism. This decision was made in consultation with Governor DeSantis. Rodrigues stated that SJP considered itself part of the “resistance” effort, and this violated state law, which prohibits the provision of support to terrorist groups, as reported by Reuters.
The shutdown order has come under fire from civil rights groups who argue that it violates the First Amendment. The Florida ACLU has stated that the order is unconstitutional and amounts to Tallahassee “silencing ideas it doesn’t like.”
All this news comes in the wake of the House of Representatives passing a resolution in support of Israel in its conflict with Hamas. This marks the first piece of legislation passed by the House in over three weeks, following the appointment of its new speaker, Representative Mike Johnson from Louisiana.
Johnson stated that “Turmoil and violence have rocked the Middle East and Eastern Europe.” He added that the country demands strong leadership of this body, and we must not waver.”
A possible ground invasion has been hinted at by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu without giving a specific timeline. He also issued a stern warning to Hamas, declaring that its members are marked for death.