TALLAHASSEE, FL (352today.com) – On Thursday, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis used his executive powers and issued an order authorizing the use of state resources to rescue Floridians stranded in Israel due to the war with Hamas.

In the emergency declaration, DeSantis said, “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.”

The order enables the Florida Division of Emergency Management to bring Floridians home and transport necessary supplies to Israel.

DeSantis says the Sunshine State is home to one of the largest Jewish populations in the world, including large numbers of dual Israeli-American citizens and Floridians with relatives and businesses in Israel.

Meanwhile on Thursday, DeSantis continued his push to become the Republican presidential nominee. He traveled to Concord, New Hampshire, to file papers to get on that state’s Republican Primary ballot.

His executive order in response to the war in Israel criticizes President Joe Biden stating, “…the Biden administration has failed to launch any form of rescue or evacuation operations for Americans, including Floridians, stranded in the region, and has failed to provide information requested by the State of Florida about any plans for such operations.”

Republican presidential candidate and Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, right, addresses a gathering with New Hampshire Secretary of State David Scanlan, left, while filing papers to be on the New Hampshire Republican Primary ballot. Courtesy: AP Photo/Charles Krupa
On Oct. 10, 2023, Gov. Ron DeSantis declared sanctions against Iran for its role in the attacks on Israel.

Earlier in the week, DeSantis was joined by members of the Florida Legislature and leaders in the Jewish community at the Shul of Bal Harbour to announce a proposal that would increase sanctions against Iran. The sanctions include broadening the industries on Florida’s scrutinized companies list.

“My legislative proposal ensures Florida will not do business with companies that support terrorist groups like Hamas,” said DeSantis. “As a state and a nation, we must stand with Israel following the heinous attacks over the weekend. With Iran helping plot the barbaric attack against Israel, I want to make it abundantly clear: Florida supports the State of Israel against the Iranian terror state.”

The Associated Press contributed to this report.