In a show of support for Israel, Governor Ron DeSantis of Florida has announced plans to call a special legislative session aimed at imposing tougher sanctions on Iran. The session will focus on expanding existing prohibitions against Iranian-owned businesses in the state, targeting sectors such as finance, construction, and technology.[0] The move comes in response to the war between Israel and Hamas, with DeSantis seeking to demonstrate Florida’s solidarity with Israel.
DeSantis’s proposal for stronger sanctions against Iran has received backing from GOP leaders in both the House and Senate. However, some critics perceive the special session as a political move by DeSantis to boost his failing presidential campaign. Democratic state Representative Anna Eskamani referred to the session as “DeSantis wasting Floridian taxpayer money for his failing Presidential bid,” suggesting that it is merely political theater.[1]
Florida already lists Iran as a “foreign country of concern,” along with China, Russia, North Korea, Cuba, Venezuela, and Syria.[2] Since 2008, the state has prohibited state agencies and local governments from contracting with businesses that have contracts with the Iranian government for goods and services exceeding $1 million.[2] However, DeSantis aims to go further with the new sanctions, citing Iran’s support for Hamas and other terrorist groups.
While a date for the special session has not yet been announced, one possibility is to hold it in conjunction with upcoming legislative committee meetings. Lawmakers are scheduled to hold these meetings during the weeks of November 6, November 13, December 4, and December 11.[3] The special session is expected to address not only sanctions against Iran but also issues such as improving security at facilities like Jewish day schools and expressing support for Israel’s right to exist and defend itself.
DeSantis’s call for stronger sanctions against Iran comes at a critical time, as tensions in the Middle East escalate. Iran’s support for Hamas, a Palestinian militant group responsible for the recent attacks on Israel, has drawn international condemnation.[4] By imposing tougher sanctions, DeSantis aims to send a message of solidarity to Israel and ensure that Florida does not support the Iranian “terror state.”
The special session will provide an opportunity for lawmakers to discuss and debate the proposed sanctions. It remains to be seen how the session will unfold and what specific measures will be implemented. However, DeSantis’s push for stronger sanctions against Iran demonstrates his commitment to supporting Israel and taking a strong stance against terrorism.
Overall, the special legislative session in Florida serves as a platform for Governor DeSantis to bolster the state’s alignment with Israel and impose tougher sanctions on Iran. While critics question the motives behind the session, DeSantis and GOP leaders are determined to show Florida’s continued support for Israel and take action against Iran’s support for terrorist groups. The session will address not only sanctions but also issues related to security and expressing support for Israel’s right to exist and defend itself. As tensions in the Middle East continue to escalate, Florida’s actions may have broader implications in the international arena.
0. “More details emerge as Florida lawmakers set special session for early November” The Capitolist, 21 Oct. 2023, https://thecapitolist.com/more-details-emerge-as-florida-lawmakers-set-special-session-for-early-november
1. “How DeSantis the governor is helping DeSantis the candidate” Miami Herald, 24 Oct. 2023, https://www.miamiherald.com/news/politics-government/article280900008.html
2. “Dates set for Florida special legislative session for new Iran sanctions, hurricane relief” WKMG News 6 & ClickOrlando, 20 Oct. 2023, https://www.clickorlando.com/news/politics/2023/10/20/desantis-to-call-florida-special-session-for-new-iran-sanctions
3. “DeSantis will call legislative session to pass sanctions against Iran” Yahoo! Voices, 20 Oct. 2023, https://www.yahoo.com/news/desantis-call-legislative-session-pass-151300172.html
4. “Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis to call special session to consider sanctions on Iran in show of support for Israel” CBS Miami, 20 Oct. 2023, https://www.cbsnews.com/miami/news/florida-gov-ron-desantis-to-call-special-session-to-consider-sanctions-on-iran-in-show-of-support-for-israel
