DeSantis Sends Weapons, Drones to Support Israel in Middle East Conflict
TALLAHASSEE, FLORIDA — On Thursday, Governor Ron DeSantis said he arranged to send weapons, ammunition and drones to Israel in preparation for an incursion in Gaza over the Hamas attacks.
WEAPONS, BODY ARMOR AND HELMETS
DeSantis’ press secretary, Jeremy Redfern, confirmed to the Associated Press that Florida had sent cargo planes with healthcare supplies, drones, body armor, and helmets. At the request of Israel’s consul general in Miami, the state also worked with private groups to supply weapons and ammunition, according to Redfern.
The move comes after DeSantis declared a state of emergency via executive order giving Florida’s Department of Emergency Management (FDEM) the authority to “bring Floridians home and transport necessary supplies to Israel.”
FOUR FLIGHTS, 700 AMERICANS
As of Tuesday, FDEM confirmed that nearly 700 Americans have been flown back to Florida on four flights. Two cargo planes carrying 85 pallets of donated supplies have also arrived in Tel-Aviv, Israel.
Redfern did not disclose the type or amount of weaponry and ammunition, referring questions by the Associated Press to the consul general, who was not immediately available for comment.
The governor’s office said hospitals and other government agencies in Israel requested the goods. Florida arranged the support by collaborating with Florida hospitals, local communities, the Agency for Health Care Administration, FDEM and various Israeli partners.
For the most part, Republican presidential hopefuls, including DeSantis, have expressed support for Israel and criticized President Joe Biden for not doing enough to support Israelis. DeSantis has also chastised former President Donald Trump and former U.N. ambassador Nikki Haley over their positions on the Israeli conflict.
While the U.S. Commerce Department regulates the shipment of many types of weapons and technology overseas, it’s unclear whether DeSantis coordinated any shipments with the Biden administration.