Florida Governor Ron DeSantis signed an executive order on Thursday authorizing the Florida Division of Emergency Management to initiate rescue operations for Americans trapped in Israel by the ongoing war with Hamas. The FDEM is now tasked with arranging charter flights for Sunshine State residents while also working out the logistics of transporting supplies to the embattled Israeli military.
“We will not leave our residents behind,” read a statement from Governor DeSantis. “To the many Floridians who are stuck in Israel, trying to get home — help is on the way.”
Today I signed an executive order authorizing rescue operations in Israel to bring Floridians home and transport supplies to our allies.
We will not leave our residents behind.
To the many Floridians who are stuck in Israel, trying to get home — help is on the way.
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Florida Executive Order 23-208, Emergency Management—Impacts of War in Israel, affirms Israel’s right to self-defense against Hamas aggression and calls attention to the estimated “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.” The order further condemns the Biden administration’s slow response to requests for aid and evacuation after airlines including American, Delta, and United suspended all air travel in the region.
In response to the worsening crisis, DeSantis’ executive order declared a 60-day state of emergency in Florida, activated the Florida State Guard and National Guard as needed, and approved funds to evacuate Florida residents from Israel. The order did not provide details on what supplies will be sent to Israel, nor did it specify how this effort will be conducted.
A follow-up statement from the FDEM confirmed that the flights will be offered to eligible applicants free of charge, in contrast to the Federal charters that require repayment and only transport evacuees to neighboring countries.
Under the leadership of @GovRonDeSantis, DEM is arranging chartered flights for Floridians needing safe transportation from Israel – completely free of charge.
If you’re in need of evacuation, please visit https://t.co/WxYvOaTvZF and fill out the form. pic.twitter.com/C8DzO9GuEB
As of Thursday afternoon, 27 Americans have reportedly been killed in the crossfire between Israel and the forces of Hamas, with an additional 14 unaccounted for. An estimated 2,900 people have been killed since the conflict began.
While DeSantis’ order claims 20,000 Americans remain in harm’s way, reports on the exact number vary widely, with some US officials reporting as many as 170,000 American tourists, travelers, and dual citizens in need of rescue. Non-Floridians are able to apply for evacuation via the State Department’s website.
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