Ron DeSantis continues his international tour, which has already taken him to Japan, South Korea and now Israel. There he met with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. His office shared a photo of the two shaking hands prior to their meeting on the afternoon of Friday, April 28.
The details of the meeting have not yet emerged, although the photo shows that there was room for both delegations. The image shows both men in blue suits and ties, although the governor's was a couple of shades lighter.
"During a historic trade mission, Governor Ron DeSantis met with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Florida continues to have a strong relationship with Israel, both economically and culturally," the governor's office said in a statement.
During his visit, DeSantis also delivered the keynote address at an event commemorating the 75th anniversary of Israel's founding and met with local businessmen already investing or considering investing in Florida.
For his part, he spoke at an event organized by The Jerusalem Post. "Maintaining a strong relationship between the United States and Israel has been a priority for me during my time in elected office," he said during his speech.
Always great to see Prime Minister Netanyahu! pic.twitter.com/eaMukE9hX6
— Ron DeSantis (@GovRonDeSantis) April 28, 2023
"Our alliance with Israel is based on unique cultural and religious affinities and Judeo-Christian values that go back thousands of years to the Holy Land and have been essential to the American experiment," the Sunshine State governor added.
During the event, DeSantis was pleased to sign local House Bill 269, which will provide new mechanisms for local agencies to punish those responsible for anti-Semitic incidents and those who attack religious communities.
"The threats facing religious Americans of all faiths have evolved. Through this legislation, we are ensuring that perpetrators who commit acts of anti-Semitism and target religious groups or individuals will be punished," he said prior to signing the bill into law.
Florida-Israel relations
Trade between the two reached $651 million in 2022, which, according to DeSantis' office, "demonstrates the growing partnership between the two countries." Since 2018, bilateral merchandise trade saw a 65% growth, while, over the last ten years, that figure rises to 176.1%.
In terms of foreign investors in the state of Florida, Israel ranks nineteenth on the list, with a total of US$647 million. By 2023, more than 50 companies will coexist in the state, employing some 2,400 people.
