In a recent development, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has orchestrated the dispatch of weaponry, protective gear, and drones to Israel in anticipation of a potential ground invasion into Gaza, according to a spokesperson's statement to the Daily Caller News Foundation.
At the behest of the Israeli consul general in Miami and under the direction of DeSantis, Florida has filled cargo planes with healthcare supplies, drones, body armor, and helmets intended for Israeli first responders. This move is the latest in a series of actions by the governor to demonstrate his support for Israel. Since the outbreak of conflict between Israel and the Hamas terrorist organization, which governs the Gaza Strip, on October 7, DeSantis has facilitated the safe return of over 700 Americans from Israel to the U.S.
Jeremy Redfern, a spokesperson for the governor's office, informed the DCNF that Florida is collaborating with private companies and the consul general to expedite the delivery of weapons and ammunition to Israel. Redfern clarified that the State of Florida did not directly finance the body armor and helmets, nor did it procure lethal aid.
"The Consul General of Israel reached out to the governor's office seeking help in transporting body armor and helmets. Given that we were already dispatching supplies to Israel, Florida was able to include the body armor and helmets on our cargo flights. The state did not purchase these items," Redfern explained to the DCNF.
Federal regulations stipulate that it is unlawful for states and non-government entities in the U.S. to export items intended for military use abroad without the State Department's approval.
"The weapons and ammunition, which were not purchased by the state, were transported separately," Redfern stated. "Once again, the governor's office was approached by the Consul General's office for assistance in overcoming federal bureaucratic obstacles associated with delivering those items to Israel."
DeSantis confirmed the arrival of two cargo planes carrying 85 pallets of donated supplies in Israel in a social media statement on Wednesday, expressing gratitude to all those who contributed to the effort.
DeSantis, along with other Republican presidential candidates, has criticized the Biden administration for its perceived lack of action in ensuring the safe evacuation of Americans from Israel.
The Arms Exports and Control Act (AECA) and the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) mandate that the administration approve exports of defense articles to other countries, with limited exceptions. The ITAR also specifies that ammunition and small arms with military purposes are included in the U.S. Munitions List.
The ITAR rule states that "any person who intends to export or to import temporarily a defense article must obtain the approval of the Directorate of Defense Trade Controls prior to the export or temporary import."
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