DeSantis sends first round of cargo to Israel: ‘We are stepping up to help our allies.’

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Florida sent 85 pallets worth of cargo to Israel on two successful plane launches under an emergency executive order from Gov. Ron DeSantis.

Departing Tuesday, DeSantis’ office said the planes will reach Israel Wednesday.

The planes are carrying medical supplies, clothing, hygiene products and toys.

The launch comes after the first round of Americans rescued by Florida-chartered flights arrived earlier this week, carrying nearly 300.

“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. “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.”

IV kits, hospital gowns, bandages, needles, syringes, ventilators and surgical gloves are among the tens of thousands of items being sent.

Supplies also include thousands of: children’s toys, sleeping bags, hygiene products and clothes.

DeSantis’ order activated multiple state agencies, including the Florida Division of Emergency Management, to help respond to the crisis in Israel by rescuing Americans.

“Thanks to the decisive action of Governor DeSantis, the Division was able to quickly coordinate with our Israeli partners and compile needed supplies,” said Kevin Guthrie, Division of Emergency Management executive director. “After working with the Israeli Consulate, medical partners and hospitals in Israel, the Division identified what items were most in need to reduce inundation and increase efficiency.”

“There was a devoid of leadership, so we stepped up and led,” DeSantis said in a video at the Tampa airport on Sunday. “[We are welcoming] them back to the United States of America.”

DeSantis thanked Project Dynamo for helping rescue the citizens from the war-ridden region after Hamas launched brutal terror attacks on Israel.

DeSantis signed the emergency executive order last Thursday.

“We will not leave our residents behind,” DeSantis said Thursday. “To the many Floridians who are stuck in Israel, trying to get home — help is on the way.”

DeSantis said the Florida National Guard and Florida State Guard have been ordered to be activated “as needed” to assist in responding to the emergency.

Also over the weekend, the DeSantis administration urged Americans “stranded in Athens” to fill out an online form: “We may be able to assist you.”

The executive order signed by DeSantis grants Florida agencies broad budgeting and execution authority in helping rescue Americans abroad. It extends for at least 60 days.