Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has once again demonstrated his commitment to action over rhetoric, signing an executive order that authorizes rescue operations in Israel for Floridians stranded due to the ongoing conflict.
The order also facilitates the transportation of supplies to the embattled nation.
"Today I signed an executive order authorizing rescue operations in Israel to bring Floridians home and transport supplies to our allies. We will not leave our residents behind. To the many Floridians who are stuck in Israel, trying to get home help is on the way," DeSantis announced.
The executive order comes in response to the escalating conflict in Israel, which has left many Americans, including Floridians, unable to return home due to commercial airline restrictions. DeSantis' order declares a state of emergency in Florida, citing the threat to Jewish people both domestically and abroad from Hamas and its sympathizers.
"There are more than 20,000 Americans, including many Floridians, in Israel who wish to return home but have been prevented from doing so," the order states. It also highlights Florida's significant Jewish population, many of whom hold dual citizenship and have familial and business ties in Israel.
In the order, DeSantis criticizes the Biden administration for its perceived inaction and lack of transparency regarding rescue operations. "Unlike the governments of other countries, the Biden administration has failed to launch any form of rescue or evacuation operations for Americans, including Floridians, stranded in the region, and has failed to provide information requested by the State of Florida about any plans for such operations," the order reads.
Coinciding with the announcement of DeSantis' executive order, the Biden administration revealed its own evacuation plans. White House National Security Council spokesman John Kirby announced that the U.S. government would arrange charter flights to transport U.S. citizens from Israel to Europe. "They're still working through some of the details of that, to assist U.S. citizens and their immediate family members who have, for whatever reason, not been able to provide commercial transit out of the country," Kirby said.
DeSantis' executive order empowers the Florida Division of Emergency Management to execute and coordinate all necessary rescue and supply flights. It also activates the Florida National Guard and Florida State Guard "to respond to the emergency ... as needed."
This move by DeSantis underscores his proactive approach to governance and his commitment to the welfare of Floridians, both at home and abroad. It also highlights the ongoing tension between state and federal authorities over the handling of the crisis in Israel, with DeSantis' executive order serving as a pointed critique of the Biden administration's response.
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