After Governor Ron DeSantis announced that he arranged to send drones, weapons and ammunition to Israel to help with the war against Hamas terrorists, the Florida Democratic Party responded to the shipment of weapons, calling it a “gross breach” and possibly a violation of federal laws.
“President Biden is the Commander-in-Chief of our military — not Ron DeSantis,” said Florida Democratic Party Chair Nikki Fried. “As a Navy veteran, Ron should understand the importance of respecting the chain of command. This is a gross breach of norms and a potential violation of federal laws governing the shipment of weapons.”
Republican Governor DeSantis has been solid in his support for Israel. He also arranged cargo planes carrying 85 pallets of donated supplies have arrived in Tel-Aviv, Israel. These goods were requested by hospitals and other government agencies in Israel and were sent through the collaboration of Florida hospitals, local communities, the Agency for Health Care Administration, Florida Division of Emergency Management and various Israeli partners.
On October 10th, Governor DeSantis announced a legislative proposal to strengthen sanctions on Iran to ensure Florida does not do business with companies aligned with Iran that could in turn fund Hamas and other terrorist groups. On October 12th, Governor DeSantis issued Executive Order 23-208 allowing the State of Florida to carry out logistical, rescue and evacuation operations for Florida residents seeking transportation back to Florida and provide necessary law enforcement support for Jewish communities in Florida. On October 20th, Governor DeSantis worked with legislative leaders who formally called a Special Session of the Florida Legislature to address the Governor’s Iran sanctions-related proposal.
But, Florida Democrats do not believe the Republican Governor should be “meddling with military operations.”
“The Florida Democratic Party unequivocally supports Israel’s right to self-defense, and American military support for those efforts must come from the U.S. Government — not a handshake deal between a wannabe president and undefined ‘private parties,’ added FDP Chair Fried. “Instead of meddling with military operations to score political points for his failing presidential campaign, Ron needs to stand down and let President Biden do his job.”
The Associated Press reported that DeSantis arranged the weapon shipment to Israel.
