DeSantis Sends Weapons to Israel Ahead of GOP Donors Gathering

Republican Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis on Thursday announced that he is sending weapons, ammunition and drones to Israel, just a few days before the GOP presidential hopeful is set to speak at the Republican Jewish Coalition’s annual leadership meeting, which includes major donors.

The Republican candidate also announced two cargo planes with 85 pallets of donated supplies, as well as sanctions on Iran and "companies boycotting Israel," such as financial services firm Morningstar.

DeSantis is scheduled to speak at the RJC gathering in Las Vegas on Saturday.

The moves from the Florida governor come after he was previously accused by a legislative aide of having a weak response to antisemitism in the state, to which he responded by pointing to the numbers of people rescued from Israel and brought to Florida.

“What other governor has rescued people from Israel?” DeSantis asked. “I marshaled resources."

National Security Council spokesperson John Kirby said on Thursday he was not aware of any coordination between the federal government and Florida on this matter.