DeSantis sends cargo planes, drones, weapons, ammo, armor and helmets to Israel

Israel will be receiving military-grade weapons and ammunition in addition to the drones, body armor, and helmets that have already been shipped from Florida, said Jeremy Redfern, a spokesperson for Gov. DeSantis' Office, AP reports.

Redfern said that the state worked with private entities at the request of Israel's consul general in Miami to supply the IDF with weapons and ammunition. He did not disclose the quantity of weapons and ammunition that Israel would be receiving.

"With the lack of leadership in Washington, we are stepping up to help our allies in Israel who are in need of supplies and our support," DeSantis said in a statement. "As we continue to bring back Americans who were stranded in Israel when the war began, we will also keep sending the necessary health care supplies for Israel to care for those who have been injured."

Items being sent include medical supplies like bandages, hospital gowns, needles, IV kits, and ventilators, as well as "comfort items" like children’s toys, clothing, sleeping bags, and hygiene products.

The decision comes as DeSantis is set to attend the Republican Jewish Coalition's annual gathering of donors in Las Vegas on Friday. Political analysts say that DeSantis, who is running for President, is hoping to win over Jewish voters. Since the Israel-Hamas war began on Oct. 7, DeSantis evacuated more than 700 Americans after ordering Florida to run flights to Israel. The governor also ordered state universities to shut down all student groups that are supporting Hamas terrorism.

In addition, DeSantis promised if he is elected president to cancel student visas and deport foreign nationals who celebrate Hamas. He is also planning to call for a special legislative session in Florida to increase state sanctions on Iran, a state sponsor of Hamas.

The Florida governor is slated to speak to a Republican Nevada group on Saturday at a Las Vegas casino resort following Friday's event.

The Associated Press noted that sending military weapons and ammunition overseas must be approved by the White House's National Security Council and Commerce Department. Redfern did not disclose if the Office of the Governor received permission.