Florida Governor Authorizes Rescue Operations for Americans Trapped in Israel
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has taken decisive action to help U.S. citizens caught in the ongoing conflict in Israel. In an executive order, DeSantis has authorized rescue operations for more than 20,000 Americans, including many Floridians, who are unable to return home due to flight cancellations and travel disruptions caused by the war.
Multiple airlines, such as American Airlines, United Airlines, Delta Air Lines, Ryanair, and British Airways, have suspended their flights to and from Israel due to the conflict. This situation has been exacerbated by rocket attacks launched by Hamas, some of which have targeted Ben Gurion International Airport.
The U.S. State Department has raised its travel advisory for Israel and the West Bank to “Level 3,” discouraging travel to the region. A “Do Not Travel” advisory remains in place for Gaza.
Florida, with its large Jewish population and significant number of dual Israeli-American citizens, has close ties to Israel. Governor DeSantis is committed to ensuring the safe return of Floridians stuck in Israel, stating, ”We will not leave our residents behind. To the many Floridians who are trying to get home from Israel, help is on the way.”
Concerns for the safety and well-being of U.S. citizens in Israel persist, as reports indicate that some Americans remain unaccounted for, possibly among the hostages held by Hamas. The Iran-backed terrorist group launched a coordinated attack on Israel, resulting in widespread chaos, violence, and numerous casualties.
In his executive order, Governor DeSantis criticized President Biden for not initiating any rescue or evacuation operations and for withholding information from Florida. Floridians stranded in Israel have sought help from the Governor’s Office and congressional delegation, as they have not received timely assistance from the U.S. Embassy or the State Department’s Smart Traveler Enrollment Program.
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. The President has instructed his team to ensure the safe departure of Americans who want to leave Israel, considering the limited availability of commercial flights. These charter flights will begin on Oct. 13, transporting passengers to European destinations from where they can continue their journey to the United States. The State Department is also exploring options for land and sea travel.
President Biden, while acknowledging the press’s curiosity about the rescue efforts, declined to provide specific details but assured that his administration is actively working to bring the hostages home.
Hamas leaders have called for global protests and support for their actions against Israel, raising concerns about the safety of Americans in Israel. Florida has taken measures to protect its citizens, deploying law enforcement resources throughout the state. Quick Reaction Force teams, established by the Florida Highway Patrol in collaboration with other agencies, are prepared to respond to potential threats.
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. Governor DeSantis has declared a state of emergency in Florida due to the expected major disaster, and the Division of Emergency Management will handle the state’s response and recovery plans for Floridians in Israel. The National Guard and State Guard have been ordered to assist as needed.
Governor DeSantis’s executive order is effective immediately and will remain in effect for 60 days, unless extended.
How have flight cancellations and travel disruptions impacted the situation for Americans trapped in Israel?
Governor Ron DeSantis of Florida has authorized rescue operations for more than 20,000 Americans, including many Floridians, who are currently trapped in Israel due to flight cancellations and travel disruptions caused by the ongoing conflict in the region.
Multiple airlines, including American Airlines, United Airlines, Delta Air Lines, Ryanair, and British Airways, have suspended their flights to and from Israel due to the escalating conflict. The situation has been further exacerbated by rocket attacks launched by Hamas, some of which have targeted Ben Gurion International Airport.
The U.S. State Department has raised its travel advisory for Israel and the West Bank to “Level 3,” discouraging travel to the region. A “Do Not Travel” advisory remains in place for Gaza.
Florida has close ties to Israel, with a large Jewish population and a significant number of dual Israeli-American citizens. Governor DeSantis is committed to ensuring the safe return of Floridians stuck in Israel, stating, “We will not leave our residents behind. To the many Floridians who are trying to get home from Israel, help is on the way.”
Concerns for the safety and well-being of U.S. citizens in Israel persist, as reports indicate that some Americans remain unaccounted for, possibly among the hostages held by Hamas. The Iran-backed terrorist group launched a coordinated attack on Israel, resulting in widespread chaos, violence, and numerous casualties.
In his executive order, Governor DeSantis criticized President Biden for not initiating any rescue or evacuation operations and for withholding information from Florida. Floridians stranded in Israel have sought help from the Governor’s Office and congressional delegation, as they have not received timely assistance from the U.S
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