Florida Governor Ron DeSantis Leads Trade Mission To Israel

Republican Florida Governor Ron DeSantis was set to arrive in Israel on Sunday with a delegation of close to 100 people for a six-day trade mission that will include business meetings, panel discussions on challenges facing Florida, and a sit-down at the US Embassy in Jerusalem.

The governor, along with elected officials, state workers, lawmakers, senior academics, businessmen and more will participate in the trip.

The meeting on Wednesday, May 29 at the US Embassy in Jerusalem will not include state business or official action. Instead, the Associated Press reports DeSantis will meet with his independently elected cabinet to sign a resolution, declaring Florida’s support for the state of Israel as well as highlighting the Israel-Florida relationship.

An official agenda for the meeting says along with the proclamation, there will be three presentations including on victims of terror, water quality and emergency management.

He will also give a keynote speech at the 2019 Israel-American Business Summit, hosted by the Federation of Israeli Chambers of Commerce and the US Embassy, where he will present opportunities for Israeli companies in Florida.

DeSantis has said the mission will provide “an opportunity to strengthen ties with Israel,” the South Florida Sun-Sentinel reports.

“Our delegation includes professionals and experts from a wide range of policy and business areas, representing every corner of our state,” he said in a statement. “During this trip, we will affirm Florida as the most pro-Israel state in the nation and strengthen the bond between Florida and Israel for decades to come.”

Media outlets have reported that DeSantis has repeatedly promised to be the “most pro-Israel governor” in America. He promoted the relocation of the US Embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem last year.