Florida Governor Ron DeSantis (R) is sending military materials and hospital supplies to Israel.
“At the request of the Israeli Consul General in Miami, cargo planes contracted by Florida were used to transport healthcare and hospital supplies, drones, body armor, and helmets that first responders can use,” said Jeremy Redfern, a spokesman for the governor’s office.
Redfern noted that DeSantis has also contacted the Israeli Consul general to “help get weapons and ammunition to Israel through private parties.”
Spokesperson for the White House National Security Council, John Kirby, said that it is “not illegal for the governor of a state to offer a measure of foreign assistance to another country.”
“There are laws and regulations which govern how the export process is handled and that’s all done through Commerce.”
DeSantis also successfully brought almost 700 Americans home from Israel, completing four rescue flights.
Florida's Israel Rescue Operation has completed four rescue flights bringing nearly 700 Americans home from Israel.
— Ron DeSantis (@GovRonDeSantis) October 25, 2023
Two cargo planes with 85 pallets of donated supplies have also arrived in Israel.
Thanks to all who helped make this happen. pic.twitter.com/VpnIyv28Fj
During the first rescue flight, DeSantis explained there was a “devoid of leadership, so we stepped up and led, we’re happy to be able to deliver that,” he said from the airstrip. “So we’re getting ready to welcome them back to the United States of America.”
