In a move to bolster his pro-Israel stance, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis's office announced that it is sending drones, weapons, and ammunition to Israel to support their ongoing war against Hamas. The delivery of these supplies aims to demonstrate solidarity with Israel and aid in their efforts to combat the designated terrorist organization.

According to Jeremy Redfern, a spokesperson for DeSantis's office, Florida has contracted cargo planes to transport drones, body armor, helmets, and healthcare supplies to Israel. The request for body armor and helmets came directly from the Israeli Consul General in Miami. Redfern clarified that these items were not purchased by Florida but were added to the existing supplies being sent to Israel.

Additionally, Redfern mentioned that the state collaborated with private parties to facilitate the transportation of weapons and ammunition. However, the spokesperson did not disclose specific details regarding the types of weapons or the quantities of drones and ammunition sent to Israel. Moreover, Redfern did not reveal the identities of the third parties involved in the process.

Surprisingly, Maor Elbaz-Starinsky, the Israeli Consul General in Miami, stated that he had not requested drones, body armor, or helmets. He also denied any communication with Governor DeSantis regarding the acquisition of weapons or ammunition through private parties. Elbaz-Starinsky asserted that his involvement has solely been focused on coordinating medical supplies.

Governor DeSantis has been a vocal supporter of Israel and has made it clear that Florida will provide extensive aid to the nation in its fight against Hamas. Earlier this month, he issued an executive order authorizing the rescue of Floridians in Israel through chartered flights. In a recent post on X, formerly Twitter, DeSantis highlighted that almost 700 Americans have been evacuated from Israel to Florida on four separate rescue flights.

On a larger scale, the United States government has been actively working to evacuate Americans from the region, with ongoing negotiations to secure the release of hostages held by Hamas. John Kirby, the National Security spokesperson, mentioned that the precise number of Americans unaccounted for in Israel is uncertain, as some individuals may have tragically lost their lives during the initial attacks.

It remains unclear whether Governor DeSantis coordinated with the Biden administration in transporting the weapons and other supplies to Israel. As the GOP primary polls nationally and in early-voting primary states indicate, DeSantis currently trails former President Trump. Republicans are set to hold their third presidential debate in early November, although Trump is not expected to attend.

The conflict between Israel and Hamas erupted on October 7, prompting Israel to declare war on the militant group. Since then, Israel has intensified its airstrikes on Gaza, specifically targeting Hamas strongholds in the territory. The casualties have been devastating, with over 1,400 Israelis losing their lives in the fighting, primarily during the initial infiltration on October 7. On the Palestinian side, the Hamas-run Gaza Health Ministry reported that 6,546 Palestinians have tragically lost their lives in the Gaza Strip.

As tensions continue to escalate, the delivery of supplies by Florida to Israel underscores Governor DeSantis's unwavering support for the nation's fight against Hamas. The assistance provided by the state sends a strong message of solidarity and reinforces DeSantis's pro-Israel stance, potentially influencing his position in the battle for the GOP presidential nomination.