Governor DeSantis announced on Thursday that he has arranged to send drones, weapons, and ammunition to Israel. DeSantis strongly supports Israel in its war against Hamas. This is his latest action his office has taken to help as Israel prepares for a ground war with Hamas in Gaza.
The leadership abilities of DeSantis have been on full display since October 7 when Hamas attacked Israel. DeSantis has sent cargo planes filled with healthcare supplies, as well as drones, body armor, and helmets. The state also partnered with groups to supply weapons and ammunition through private funds.
Israel’s consul general in Miami made the request of the governor’s office. Maor Elbaz-Starinsky, the consul general, initially denied requests for drones, body armor, or helmets. He didn’t confirm that he talked to DeSantis about getting weapons or ammunition through private parties. Later Thursday he admitted that others in the Israeli government spoke with DeSantis’ office about what could be sent to Israel. I imagine that the consul general didn’t have permission to speak about wartime aid to Israel, especially given that it is coming from private partners and on chartered planes. In other words, not an official U.S. government shipment.
DeSantis is effectively using his powers as governor. During the presidential primary, he stands out with his record of successes in office. This is a particularly productive week for the governor as his administration ordered state universities to disband chapters of a pro-Palestinian student group. And, the charter flights with Floridians that were stranded in Israel after October 7 continue to arrive in the state. So far, about 700 Americans have been evacuated, thanks to Air DeSantis.
The announcement of military aid comes the day before DeSantis and other Republican presidential primary candidates are expected to attend the Republican Jewish Coalition’s annual gathering of donors. It begins Friday in Las Vegas. DeSantis is scheduled to speak Saturday morning.
The Republican candidates have all stood up to support Israel, though Biden is accused of not doing enough for the Israelis. DeSantis has also taken shots at Trump and Nikki Haley over Israel. It’s that time during the campaign. I would argue that DeSantis should have been more aggressive against the other candidates, mostly Trump, already. Trump is his real competition to take out, though the Haley campaign appears to be gaining a little steam in some places.
Asked about the AP report about DeSantis sending military aid to Israel, John Kirby said during the daily White House press briefing that he didn’t have information about it but that there is a process in place that the governor would use to be on the same page as the administration. The Commerce Department regulates shipments abroad of U.S. weapons and technology.
It’s encouraging to see DeSantis take advantage of opportunities to set himself apart from the other non-Trump candidates in the primary race. Trump is still concerned about DeSantis and the proof is his constant attacks on him on Truth Social. Trump wants the others to drop out so the campaign donations will all go to him. That isn’t going to happen any time soon and it shouldn’t. It looks daunting but the primary isn’t over yet.
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