Ron DeSantis confirms sending weapons to 'Israel'

By Al Mayadeen English
Source: Agencies
27 Oct 2023 09:58
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"Israel’s" consul general in Miami, Maor Elbaz-Starinsky, denies requesting DeSantis to send shipments of weapons and claims that shipments of medical supplies were only agreed upon.

Republican US presidential candidate Florida Governor Ron DeSantis speaks during a meet and greet, October 14, 2023, in Creston, Iowa. (AP)

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis' office confirmed on Thursday that he has sent drones, body armor, and helmets to "Israel", adding that the transport was done through a private supplier.

A spokesperson for the governor told US media outlets that the delivery was done following a request by "Israel’s" consul general in Miami, Maor Elbaz-Starinsky.

Jeremy Redfern, the press secretary for DeSantis' gubernatorial office, wrote to Reuters, "At the request of the Israeli Consul General in Miami, cargo planes contracted by Florida were used to transport healthcare and hospital supplies, drones, body armor, and helmets that first responders can use".

However, Elbaz-Starinsky claimed to AP that such a request was never put through. "Nothing went through me," he said, adding, "We were never in communication on any shipments of arms or ammunition. The only thing that I have dealt with sending is medical supplies."

"I...would find it very, very bizarre to think that somebody is procuring weapons and sending it to Israel..." he said, adding "This is not how we work. And certainly not privately funded."

DeSantis’ spokesperson asserted to CNN that both parties did collaborate to "help get weapons and ammunition to Israel through private parties."

'Not illegal'

A CNN source noted that the supplies left Florida for "Israel" last Tuesday.

In light of this, White House spokesperson John Kirby said on Thursday that "It is not illegal for the governor of a state to offer a measure of foreign assistance to another country," highlighting that "there are laws and regulations which govern how the export process is handled and that’s all done through [The Department of] Commerce. I couldn’t speak with authority today about whether the governor has checked all those boxes or not."

DeSantis has also taken action by arranging charter flights to transport Americans home from "Israel", sending medical supply shipments, and ordering Florida universities to ban the Students for Justice in Palestine organization.

US President Joe Biden is ramping up military aid to "Israel" to pave the way for a "swift, decisive and overwhelming" response against the Palestinian Resistance, as the White House is requesting an additional $14 billion in support from Congress - most of which is meant for weapons.

The American military claims to have prepared 2,000 personnel and a range of units on a heightened standby for potential deployment to "Israel". However, defense officials state that the forces are not intended to serve in combat roles and are tasked with advising and medical roles, but some could enter to support Israeli forces.

Two aircraft carrier groups, USS Gerald R. Ford and USS Dwight D. Eisenhower, have already been sent to the region. The groups also include one missile cruiser, at least two destroyers, and dozens of aircraft including jet fighters alongside around 5,000 servicemen.