Senate President-Designate Albritton: Israel has ‘sure path to victory first, then peace’
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Florida Senate President-Designate Ben Albritton, R-Wauchula, made strong comments on the war between Israel and Hamas after being selected by Senate Republicans for the position in 2024-2026.
As the war between Israel and Hamas continues to escalate, Albritton said thousands of people “have died at the hands of extremists.”
Hamas launched a terrorist attack on Israeli civilians earlier this month, sparking the war.
Albritton said “terrorists have launched a full on assault against our brothers and sisters in the Holy Land.”
“It’s tragic. It’s terrible. I pray for the people of Israel, they have a sure path to victory first, then peace,” Albritton said.
JUST IN: Florida Senate President-Designate Ben Albritton draws hard line against Hamas after attacks on Israel@Sen_Albritton: "Thousands of innocent people have died […] It's tragic. It's terrible […] I pray [that] they have a sure path of victory, FIRST – then peace." pic.twitter.com/sk1DNdqiQx
— Florida’s Voice (@FLVoiceNews) October 17, 2023
The audience applauded Albritton’s comments.
During a press briefing following the ceremony, Albritton was asked his thoughts about Gov. Ron DeSantis’ recent move to sign an executive order to allow the state to use funds and carry out rescue operations for Floridians stranded in Israel following Hamas’ attacks.
“If the question is, do I believe that going in and getting 300 Americans out of Israel using state dollars was the appropriate choice? The answer is yes,” Albritton said.
Albritton said he is “thankful he [DeSantis] did.”
“If I was stranded there in the middle of this incredibly difficult challenge that is going on, I would hope somebody would come get us,” Albritton said.
Albritton said he is “supportive” of DeSantis’ actions.
Florida’s Voice previously reported the first rescue plane landed in Florida Sunday. The rescue operation helped 270 people, including 91 children.
NEW: Senate President-Designate @Sen_Albritton responds to Gov. Ron DeSantis declaring state of emergency to rescue Americans from Israel
— Florida’s Voice (@FLVoiceNews) October 17, 2023
"I'm thankful that he did […] I would hope somebody would come get us [if I were there]. So, I'm supportive of his actions." pic.twitter.com/JenlB1SOwL
Albritton was officially selected among the Republican caucus to be the president-designate for the 2024-2026 Legislative Term during the ceremony on Tuesday.
The Senate president will lead the Florida Senate as the chamber works through legislation.
Gov. Ron DeSantis and the Florida Cabinet, including Attorney General Ashley Moody, Chief Financial Officer Jimmy Patronis and Agriculture Commissioner Wilton Simpson were present at the ceremony.
