DeSantis Issues Executive Order to Rescue Floridians in Israel

Republican presidential candidate Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis speaks to guests during a campaign event at Refuge City Church in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, on Oct. 8, 2023. Scott Olson/Getty Images

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis on Thursday issued an executive order authorizing rescue operations for U.S. citizens trapped in the ongoing conflict in Israel.

“There are more than 20,000 Americans, including many Floridians, in Israel who wish to return home but have been prevented from doing so because of commercial flight cancellations and other travel and logistics disruptions due to the ongoing war in the region,” Mr. DeSantis’s order said.

Multiple airlines, such as American Airlines, United Airlines, Delta Air Lines, Ryanair, and British Airways, have suspended their flights to and from Israel as a result of the ongoing conflict. This situation has arisen due to Hamas launching rockets, some of which have struck Ben Gurion International Airport.

The U.S. State Department increased its travel advisory for Israel and the West Bank region to “Level 3,” discouraging travel to the region. A “Do Not Travel” advisory remains for Gaza.

Florida is home to one of the world’s largest Jewish populations, including a significant number of dual Israeli-American citizens, and many Floridians have close ties to the nation.

“We will not leave our residents behind,” Mr. DeSantis wrote on X. “To the many Floridians who are stuck in Israel, trying to get home—help is on the way.”

The concerns for the safety and well-being of U.S. citizens in Israel during the attacks persist, with reports indicating that several U.S. nationals remain unaccounted for, with some believed to be among an estimated 150 hostages held by Hamas.

The Iran-backed Hamas terrorist group launched a coordinated attack on Israel on Oct. 7, after infiltrating its borders. This resulted in widespread chaos and violence, including murder, kidnapping, and assaults on innocent civilians. Simultaneously, approximately 4,500 rockets were fired at Israeli communities from Hamas operatives based in the Gaza Strip.

The assault has reportedly claimed the lives of over 1,200 people, including 27 American nationals, and left around 2,900 individuals injured. President Joe Biden, Mr. DeSantis, and others have characterized this attack as the deadliest day for the Jewish people since the Holocaust.

In his executive order, Mr. DeSantis criticized President Biden for failing to initiate “any form of rescue or evacuation operations” and for withholding information regarding any such plans when asked by Florida.

“Floridians stranded in Israel are requesting help from the Executive Office of the Governor and from nearly every member of Florida’s congressional delegation, because they are not receiving timely assistance from the U.S. Embassy in Israel and are not receiving any follow-up after enrolling in the U.S. Department of State’s Smart Traveler Enrollment Program,” Mr. DeSantis’s order stated.

White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre looks on as Coordinator for Strategic Communications at the National Security Council John Kirby takes questions during the daily press briefing at the White House in Washington on Oct. 12, 2023. Drew Angerer/Getty Images

US to Charter Flights Out of Israel

On Thursday, the Biden administration announced that it would coordinate charter flights for U.S. citizens seeking to leave Israel.

“We are all acutely aware of limited availability right now on commercial flights out of Israel and the demand signal of U.S. citizens who may want to depart. The president has asked his team to ensure we are assisting U.S. citizens who do want to leave Israel in providing them with a safe means of doing that,” National Security Council Coordinator for Strategic Communications John Kirby told reporters on Thursday.

These charter flights will commence on Oct. 13, taking passengers to European destinations from which they can travel to the United States. The State Department said it will also look at options for travel by land and sea.

The day prior, President Biden said his administration was working to bring back American hostages but declined to provide further details.

He also acknowledged that the press would seek information from his administration about their efforts to “get these folks home,” but called such requests “bizarre.”

“If I told you, I wouldn’t be able to get them home,” President Biden told Jewish community leaders at a roundtable at the White House. “Folks, there’s a lot we’re doing, a lot we’re doing. I have not given up hope on bringing these folks home. But the idea that I’m going to stand here before you and tell you what I’m doing is bizarre.”

People march in support of Palestinians in New York on Oct. 8, 2023 Bryan R. Smith/AFP via Getty Images

Concerns of Widespread Violence

Hamas leaders have called for global protests and support for their actions against Israel, leading to concerns over the safety of Americans and Floridians in Israel.

Florida has taken measures to prevent violence and protect its citizens amid demonstrations and potential threats, deploying law enforcement resources throughout the state.

The Florida Highway Patrol has established Quick Reaction Force teams, collaborating with the Florida Department of Law Enforcement and local agencies.

The attack on Israel has sparked demonstrations and fundraising campaigns in the United States, including Florida, both in support of the Jewish population and the Palestinian cause.

Due to “foregoing conditions, which are expected to constitute a major disaster,” Mr. DeSantis declared a state of emergency in Florida.

The Division of Emergency Management will handle the state’s response and recovery plans for Floridians in Israel. He also ordered the state’s National Guard and State Guard to deal with the emergency “as needed.”

Mr. DeSantis’s executive order was effective immediately as of Thursday and will expire in 60 days unless extended.