Current:Home > ScamsDeSantis is sending some weapons to Israel in move that could bolster him in the GOP primary -InvestTomorrow
DeSantis is sending some weapons to Israel in move that could bolster him in the GOP primary
View
Date:2025-04-15 08:30:42
MIAMI (AP) — Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis said Thursday he’s arranged to send drones, weapons, and ammunition to Israel as it prepares for an incursion of Gaza in response to Hamas’ attack. It’s the latest official response DeSantis has taken to back Israel as he competes in the 2024 Republican primary.
Florida has sent cargo planes with healthcare supplies, drones, body armor, and helmets, said Jeremy Redfern, a spokesman for the governor’s office. The state also worked with private groups to supply weapons and ammunition at the request of Israel’s consul general in Miami, Redfern said.
Redfern would not disclose the type or amount of ammunition and weaponry, referring questions to the consul general, who could not immediately be reached for comment.
DeSantis has often applied his official powers to take actions that coincide with his larger political goals. Florida used state funds to fly migrants from Texas to Democratic-led areas such as Martha’s Vineyard. And earlier this week, his administration ordered state universities to disband chapters of a pro-Palestinian student group. Since Hamas’ Oct. 7 attack, Florida has also run flights for about 700 Americans evacuated from Israel.
The confirmation of the military aid comes as DeSantis and other GOP presidential contenders are expected to attend the Republican Jewish Coalition’s annual gathering of donors, which kicks off Friday in Las Vegas. DeSantis is scheduled to speak Saturday morning to a Nevada Republican group at a casino-resort on the Las Vegas Strip.
DeSantis and the other candidates have largely lined up behind Israel and accused President Joe Biden of not doing enough to support the Israelis. DeSantis has swiped at former President Donald Trump, the heavy front-runner in the 2024 primary, and former South Carolina governor and United Nations ambassador Nikki Haley over Israel as well.
It’s unclear whether DeSantis coordinated shipments of weapons with the Biden administration. The Commerce Department regulates the shipment abroad of many types of U.S. weapons and technology.
The White House’s National Security Council and Commerce Department did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
___
Associated Press writers Aamer Madhani and Eric Tucker in Washington contributed to this report.
veryGood! (3)
Related
- PHOTO COLLECTION: AP Top Photos of the Day Wednesday August 7, 2024
- Officer who arrested Scottie Scheffler is being disciplined for not having bodycam activated
- Black Lives Matter activist loses lawsuit against Los Angeles police over ‘swatting’ hoax response
- Palestinians welcome EU nations' statehood vow as Israel hammers Gaza, killing a mother and her unborn child
- Drones warned New York City residents about storm flooding. The Spanish translation was no bueno
- City’s red-light camera program was lawful after all, North Carolina justices say
- Black Lives Matter activist loses lawsuit against Los Angeles police over ‘swatting’ hoax response
- Dak Prescott says he doesn't play for money as he enters final year of Cowboys contract
- Taylor Swift makes surprise visit to Kansas City children’s hospital
- Activist Rev. Al Sharpton issues stark warning to the FTC about two gambling giants
Ranking
- Southern California rocked by series of earthquakes: Is a bigger one brewing?
- Supreme Court sides with South Carolina Republicans in redistricting dispute
- Federal environmental agency rejects Alabama’s coal ash regulation plan
- Florida calls for probe of Starbucks' diversity policies
- Golf's No. 1 Nelly Korda looking to regain her form – and her spot on the Olympic podium
- Rod Serling, veteran: 'Twilight Zone' creator's unearthed story examines human cost of war
- Men's College World Series champions, year-by-year
- Pennsylvania Rep. Dwight Evans says he’s recovering from a minor stroke
Recommendation
Taylor Swift Cancels Austria Concerts After Confirmation of Planned Terrorist Attack
US Air Force releases first in-flight photos of B-21 Raider, newest nuclear stealth bomber
Senate border bill vote fails again as Democrats seek to shift blame to GOP
Judge says $475,000 award in New Hampshire youth center abuse case would be ‘miscarriage of justice’
Your Wedding Guests Will Thank You if You Get Married at These All-Inclusive Resorts
Minneapolis to host WWE SummerSlam 2026 — and it will be a two-day event for the first time
The bodies of two Kansas women who disappeared in Oklahoma were found in a buried freezer
Greek yogurt is now more popular in the U.S. than regular yogurt. Is that a good thing?