In a show of support for Israel amid its ongoing conflict with Hamas, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has sent supplies and aid to the country. The supplies, which include drones, body armor, helmets, and health supplies, are being delivered by cargo planes.[0] Additionally, private groups in Florida are working to provide weapons and ammunition to Israel, as requested by Israel’s consul general in Miami.[0] The aid effort is a response to the war between Israel and Hamas, and Florida is working to assist Israel in any way possible.
Two cargo planes carrying 85 pallets of donated supplies have already arrived in Tel Aviv, containing medical supplies, clothing items, hygiene products, and children’s toys.[1] The planes were sent through collaboration with Florida hospitals, local communities, and various Israeli partners.[2] The state is also working with ARS Global Emergency Management, a contractor responsible for migrant flights, to carry out the mission to Israel.[3] ARS has been issued purchase orders totaling $49.64 million for the mission.
The assistance provided by Florida has received mixed reactions. While National Security Council spokesman John Kirby stated that it is not illegal for a governor to offer foreign assistance, there are regulations that govern the export process.[4] It is unclear whether Governor DeSantis followed all the necessary procedures.[5] Florida Democratic Party Chair Nikki Fried criticized the aid effort, calling it a breach of norms and potentially a violation of federal laws.
In response to the conflict, Governor DeSantis declared a state of emergency in Florida, giving him the authority to mobilize state resources to bring Floridians home and transport necessary supplies to Israel.[4] As part of the effort, nearly 700 Americans have been flown back to Florida on four flights, receiving support from state agencies and volunteer organizations.[1]
The aid effort is set to continue, with a special legislative session scheduled for November 6-9.[1] The session will address additional protections for Florida’s Jewish communities and proposals to strengthen existing sanctions against Iran, which supports Hamas.[2]
While the aid from Florida is intended to support Israel’s right to self-defense, it has also faced criticism for interfering in federal military operations.[6] Governor DeSantis’ executive order directed the Division of Emergency Management to use funds from the state’s Emergency Preparedness and Response Fund for the ongoing efforts.[7]
There have been some challenges in the aid operation, with nearly two dozen Americans being stranded in Cyprus due to issues with the contractors hired by the state. The contractors were reportedly competing with each other for charters, driving up prices and causing delays.[8]
Overall, the aid effort from Florida to Israel reflects the state’s commitment to supporting its allies in times of need. While there may be debates and challenges surrounding the logistical aspects of the operation, the intention to provide assistance and resources to Israel remains strong.
0. “DeSantis arranges weapons to be sent to Israel amid 2024 campaign” Washington Examiner, 26 Oct. 2023, https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/news/desantis-arranging-weapons-moved-israel-2024-campaign
1. “DeSantis: 700 Americans flown back to Florida from Israel” WPTV News Channel 5 West Palm, 24 Oct. 2023, https://www.wptv.com/news/state/gov-ron-desantis-says-700-americans-flown-back-to-florida-on-4-flights-from-israel
2. “Florida governor issues update on Israel Rescue Operation” WESH 2 Orlando, 24 Oct. 2023, https://www.wesh.com/article/florida-governor-israel-rescue/45627832
3. “Florida cargo flights arranged by DeSantis carried drones and body armor for Israel” CNN, 26 Oct. 2023, https://www.cnn.com/2023/10/26/politics/florida-flights-desantis-israel-drones/index.html
4. “Ron DeSantis sends drones and body armor in cargo flights to Israel: Florida Governor ramps up support ahead o” Daily Mail, 26 Oct. 2023, https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-12677201/Ron-DeSantis-drones-body-armor-israel-hamas.html
5. “DeSantis’ Israel rescue operation left Americans stranded on Cyprus” Tampa Bay Times, 20 Oct. 2023, https://www.tampabay.com/news/florida-politics/2023/10/20/desantis-israel-rescue-operation-left-americans-stranded-cyprus/
6. “Florida Gov. DeSantis sends drones, weapons, ammo to Israel amid war” Orlando Weekly, 27 Oct. 2023, https://www.orlandoweekly.com/news/florida-gov-desantis-sends-drones-weapons-ammo-to-israel-amid-war-35373058
7. “Florida helps send weapons and ammo to Israel for its war against Gaza” WMNF, 26 Oct. 2023, https://www.wmnf.org/florida-helps-send-weapons-and-ammo-to-israel-for-its-war-against-gaza/
8. “Ron DeSantis’ Israel rescue operation stranded Americans in Cyprus for days” Florida Politics, 20 Oct. 2023, https://floridapolitics.com/archives/640598-ron-desantis-israel-rescue-operation-stranded-americans-in-cyprus-for-days/
