The Hill reports:
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis’s (R) office says it is sending drones, weapons and ammunition to Israel to support its war against Hamas, a move that would bolster the governor’s pro-Israel stance in the battle for the GOP presidential nomination.
Jeremy Redfern, a spokesperson for DeSantis’s office, said that the Israeli Consul General in Miami requested Florida send drones, body armor and helmets to Israel for first responders to use.
Redfern said that cargo planes carrying the items, which also included hospital and health-care supplies, were contracted by Florida. He also said the office worked with the Consul General “to help get weapons and ammunition to Israel through private parties.” He did not say who these private parties were.
The Associated Press reports:
DeSantis’ announcement led to confusion between the governor’s office and an Israeli diplomat in Florida. The governor’s office said it acted at the request of Israel’s consul general in Miami.
But Maor Elbaz-Starinsky, the consul general, said he did not request drones, body armor, or helmets, nor had he talked to the governor about help getting weapons or ammunition through private parties.
“Nothing went through me,” Elbaz-Starinsky said. “We were never in communication on any shipments of arms or ammunition. The only thing that I have dealt with sending is medical supplies.” After being asked about Elbaz-Starinsky’s comments, Redfern reiterated that the governor’s office was contacted by the consul general.
DeSantis says he’s sending weapons to Israel in move that could bolster him in the GOP primary https://t.co/MzemYOOtLA
— Courthouse News (@CourthouseNews) October 26, 2023