Governor Ron DeSantis (R-FL) announced that Florida will increase sanctions against Iranian businesses.
The move follows the terrorist group Hamas’ attacks on Israel.
Florida Legislature and leaders of the Jewish community at the Shul of Bal Harbour synagogue joined DeSantis in his sanctions proposal.
“Our proposed legislation will of course reinforce Florida’s commitment that we don’t do business with state sponsors of terrorism such as Iran,” he said. “It’s going to expand the prohibition on state investment in Iranian businesses to include the financial, construction, manufacturing, textile, technology, mining, metals, shipping, shipbuilding and port sectors.”
The proposal expands upon a bill that restricts property ownership for those from China, Cuba, Venezuela, Syria, Russia, North Korea, and Iran.
“We’re gonna prohibit state and local governments from contracting with any company on this expanded sectors list, and we will not lift the sanctions until both the president and the U.S. Congress certify that Iran has stopped supporting international terrorism and seeking to … acquire weapons of mass destruction,” DeSantis stated.
The state of Florida has one of the highest Jewish populations in the United States.
Reporting from The Hill:
The Iranian government rejected allegations that it assisted Hamas with its preparations for the attack, but U.S. officials have acknowledged that Iranians are indirectly complicit in training, funding and support of the group. … Both Hamas and Iran have publicly acknowledged a partnership in the decades-long conflict with Jerusalem, with Hamas seeking an end to Israeli occupation of Palestine and Iran seeking greater regional influence and the destruction of Israel.
