‘Stand with Israel’: Florida’s political leaders react to Hamas attack

Israel Hamas AP
Rick Scott, Ron DeSantis, and others are condemning the latest violence.

War broke out in Israel Saturday, and Florida’s political leaders were quick to contextualize and condemn in a bi-partisan fashion the Hamas incursion that reportedly has taken 70 lives.

Sen. Rick Scott tweeted that “Israelis are dying today at the hands of Iran-backed terrorists. Every American ally & partner must swiftly condemn this invasion & acts of war by Hamas terrorists & the Iranian regime which supports their murderous attacks. We stand with Israel.”

Soon enough, Scott had more to say: “Israel is under attack and being invaded. Israeli women and children are being murdered and dragged through the streets of Gaza by Iran-backed Hamas terrorists. It’s 9:25 a.m. and we still haven’t heard from POTUS. Where the hell is Joe Biden?”

“Israel was attacked by a Hamas terror group funded & supplied by Iran. And the continued appeasement of Iran is encouraging these attacks,” Sen. Marco Rubio added.

Members of Congress from both parties are also united in outrage.

“”Our strongest ally in the Middle East—Israel—is at war after enduring a multi-pronged terror attack by Hamas. We must be bold & courageous in standing up for the nation of #Israel & their right to defend the Jewish homeland.  Abby & I are praying for the Israeli people and IDF,” Rep. Aaron Bean said.

“The heinous terrorist attacks perpetrated by Hamas on innocent Israelis – many savagely killed and kidnapped in their homes – must be forcefully condemned by the US & international community. Israel has our unwavering support to defend itself against these unprovoked atrocities,” Rep. Vern Buchanan said.

“Israel stands as the United States’ closest friend and ally, and our nation’s strength is intertwined with theirs. My prayers are with the people of Israel today, and as Israel prepares for war in these dark hours, the United States stands ready to support Israel’s right to defend itself. Our commitment to Israel is unwavering. Today, the world is witness to the truly barbaric nature and intentions of the Iran-backed terrorist group Hamas. As Hamas continues their bloody rampage against innocent Israeli civilians, Israeli Defense Forces are mobilizing. Make no mistake, the response will be overwhelming and lethal. Israel has an undeniable right to protect and defend themselves,” Rep. Kat Cammack contended.

“The State of Israel is under attack, and this beautiful and holy land needs the prayers and support of the world during this tumultuous time. May God bless the people of Israel,” tweeted Rep. Byron Donalds.

“I am horrified and infuriated by the deadly terrorist attacks in Israel. Israel has every right to defend itself and protect its citizens from Iran-backed Hamas. America must unequivocally stand by its ally,” asserted Rep. Jared Moskowitz.

“This is an unprovoked, indiscriminate terrorist attack on innocent Israeli civilians. The entire world should condemn Hamas immediately, and the U.S. should have Israel’s back as they defend themselves against terrorism,” added Rep. Michael Waltz.

“The Democratic State of Israel is under attack, facing unprovoked and despicable assaults by Hamas terrorists. These brazen acts of violence demand the strongest condemnation, as there is no justification for launching over 2,200 missiles in a brutal assault raining down upon innocent citizens. Democratic nations worldwide must unite to support Israel, as unity is our strength in the face of united terrorism,” asserted Rep. Frederica Wilson.

“Israel stands as the United States’ closest friend and ally, and our nation’s strength is intertwined with theirs. My prayers are with the people of Israel today, and as Israel prepares for war in these dark hours, the United States stands ready to support Israel’s right to defend itself. Our commitment to Israel is unwavering,” she added.

One Congressman offered a more equivocating take, meanwhile.

“I am deeply saddened to see the news coming out of Israel and I condemn this vicious attack by Hamas. I also have deep concern about violence moving forward and pray for the safety of both the Israeli and Palestinian peoples. It’s always the citizens that suffer the most,” asserted Rep. Maxwell A. Frost.

“The dastardly terrorist attacks perpetrated against innocent Israeli civilians by Iran-backed terror group Hamas deserve a swift and lethal response. Israel not only has the right to defend itself against these attacks, it has a duty to respond with overwhelming force. I stand with Israel. America must stand with Israel,” said Gov. Ron DeSantis.

“Iran has helped fund this war against Israel and Joe Biden’s policies that have gone easy on Iran has helped to fill their coffers. Israel is now paying the price for those policies. We’re going to stand with the state of Israel. They need to root out Hamas and we need to stand up to Iran,” he added in a video statement.

Attorney General Ashley Moody also weighed in.

“We must stand with Israel and support our ally in the Middle East following the cowardly surprise attack by Hamas. My heart breaks for all of the innocent Israelis killed in this violent aggression. What the world needs now, more than ever, is a strong United States,” Moody said. 

“This morning, the State of Israel was viciously attacked by Hamas terrorists. We condemn these heinous attacks and pray for the innocent lives that were taken by this Iran-sponsored terror group. I stand with the people of Israel,” asserted Lt. Gov. Jeanette Nunez.

“Florida 100%, unequivocally stands with the people of Israel. Evil is real. Innocent people died at the hands of radical Islam. The United States must fully back Israel’s efforts to protect its people. I pray for those lost souls and the families left grieving,” said CFO Jimmy Patronis.

“I stand with Israel and pray for her resilient people. We must support one of our greatest allies in the Middle East. The $6 billion dollars Joe Biden gave our enemies will go a long way in this attack on democracy and freedom,” added Agriculture Commissioner Wilton Simpson.

Senate Minority Leader Lauren Book said the “deadly attacks on Israel and Israeli civilians must be stopped. Praying for the families of those we lost, standing with the people of Israel and their right to defend against horrific acts of terror.”

“The unprovoked terrorist attacks by Hamas on innocent civilians in Israel is an abomination and must be vehemently condemned by the U.S. and international community. The people of Florida have and always will stand with Israel and its right to protect itself,” asserted Sen. Joe Gruters.

Sen. Shevrin Jones said the “deadly terrorist attacks targeting Israeli civilians are horrific. I pray for the victims and families subjected to this evil and unacceptable violence at the hands of Hamas. The people of Israel deserve to be safe and protected, and we stand in solidarity with Israel, our longtime ally.”

Today, I think back to my boys’ first trip to Israel, and now, when they’re old enough to worry about their own friends in the IDF. Yesterday, today, and tomorrow, our family stands with Israel,” said Sen. Jason Pizzo.

House Speaker Paul Renner had this to say.

“Israel is under attack and America will always stand by our allies. The people of Florida are praying for the victims of this attack. If you stand for freedom, if you stand for peace, you should #StandWithIsrael.”

Rep. Randy Fine was equally uncompromising: “Every site a rocket is launched from should be obliterated. Without warning. Without mercy. Eradicate them. We stand with Israel. #BombsAway #KillTheAnimals.”

Fine had more to say later Saturday morning.

“Biden gave Iran $6 billion a few weeks ago. Iran funds Hamas. Today is not a coincidence. If you are a Jew who voted for Biden, you need to look at your hands. Say what you want about Donald Trump, but there is no question whatsoever that he stood with Israel.”

Rep. Blaise Ingoglia wondered why the White House was slow to respond: “Where the F is POTUS ?!?!?”

Rep. Daniel Perez said his “heart is with the people of Israel, who have endured a heinous attack by Iranian-backed Hamas terrorists.”

“As they defend their home and their freedom, we too, must stand with our greatest ally Israel,” Perez added.

Florida Democratic Party chair Nikki Fried also condemned the attack: “This unprovoked act of terrorism must be condemned by nations around the world. Israel has the right to defend herself and her people. The attacks on innocent lives is unacceptable and I stand with Israel. Prayers for the families who have already lost loved ones.”

“We are shocked and horrified at the barbaric terrorist attacks in Israel. Now more than ever, it is important that we reaffirm our commitment to Israel and for good to triumph over evil,” the Florida Republican Party added.

“I am shocked and heartbroken at the attacks on Israel and Israeli civilians. These heinous acts of violence must come to an end to protect innocent lives. Miami-Dade stands with the people of Israel and their right to defend themselves against acts of terror, today and always,” said Miami-Dade Mayor Daniella Levine Cava.

Some reporting and cover art courtesy of the Associated Press.

A.G. Gancarski

A.G. Gancarski has been the Northeast Florida correspondent for Florida Politics since 2014. He writes for the New York Post and National Review also, with previous work in the American Conservative and Washington Times and a 15+ year run as a columnist in Folio Weekly. He can be reached at [email protected] or on Twitter: @AGGancarski


28 comments

  • Rick Whitaker

    October 7, 2023 at 9:45 am

    one of my best friends is an american palestinian born in Ramallah, he sees this conflict differently from most non-palestinian americans. i see zionism as a huge problem for the whole world netanyahoo. and his so-called settlement (aggressive land grabs ) policies are zionist by nature. i am not a racist so i don’t disparage the jewish race, BUT , zionism is a fanatical political entity that is not a race issue. the palestinian land has been stolen by mostly zionist for many years now. they get no respect, so i am sympathetic to their cause. zionist saying they are the chosen people means that everyone else is not chosen. i don’t agree that god chooses one race over another. the hebrew word gentile means unclean. i am not unclean. jews that aren’t zionist are captive to the zionist. they need to separate themselves from zionist propaganda.

    • TJC

      October 7, 2023 at 10:44 am

      It’s true, the Palestinians have been oppressed for decades now. Somehow the political allies of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and others before him fail to see the irony of Israel, the country reclaimed as a refuge for oppressed Jews from all over the world, as an oppressor state itself. Or they don’t care.
      As for these GOP Florida politicians, note that they use this war to attack Biden and lie about the 6 billion dollars that was Iran’s money in the first place, frozen assets in South Korea. Show those politicians an unlabeled map and they wouldn’t be able to find Israel on it. That’s how much they care about Israel.

    • Julia

      October 7, 2023 at 3:13 pm

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    • Earl Pitts "America's Life Coach" American

      October 8, 2023 at 8:52 am

      Again, America, the problem which led up to the recent murdurous invasion lies at the feet of 99.99% of the tribe living in The USA. (Yes I know your Uncle Shlomo is a Republican …. OK he’s a part of the 0.001%). Good for Uncle Shlomo!!!!
      Historically you have voted in mass against the other 11 tribes by your votes for The USA Democratic Party time after time. And each time with the full knowledge that The Democratic Party is in favor of the distruction of other 11 tribes located over there in the mid-east area of the planet. Basically you all knew the Democratic Party was in lock-step with the locals over there in the mid-east that want to drive the other 11 tribes “Into The Sea . Yet time and time again, election after election, you, your kids, your parents, maybe not your Grandparents if you are old) voted Democrat.
      GUILTY:
      Just because the scriptures predicted you would do this does not lessen your blaim for what you have done to the other 11 by voting for the party that hates the other 11 tribes.
      A Little Secret:
      The Democratic Party in America loves your illogical votes …. but dont be fooled; they hate the lost 12th Tribe which resides in the USA as much as they hate the rightous 11.
      Know what your Democrat votes have done America just turn on your TV and bare whitness to the pain and suffering your Democrat Party support has rained down upon the heads of God’s Childern.
      Do Better America.
      EPA

  • Sandra Eppeland

    October 7, 2023 at 10:36 am

    I stand with Israel. Where is our leader . He should be voicing our commitment to stand with Israel.

    • Biscuit

      October 7, 2023 at 10:46 am

      Stop parroting vapid Florida GOP pols and turn on your television, stupid human.
      Arf.

    • Rick Whitaker

      October 7, 2023 at 12:00 pm

      why do you stand with israel, are you a zionist? if you are, of course you stand by Israel ( formally known as Palestine ). don’t vote for people that want to continue sending them wealthy people my hard earned tax money. you shouldn’t want to rob me because are a maga/christian cultist.

    • Earl Pitts "America's Life Coach" American

      October 8, 2023 at 9:10 am

      And I, Earl Pitts American, stand with you Sandra.
      Do not be distracted by the hater leftist snipers here at our benevolant on-line host F. P.
      This has historically been a one-way-echo-chamber for Dook 4 Brains Lefty’s to justify their wacko political views back and forth amoungst themselves. And they were very happy in their little echo chamber.
      UNTILL:
      Until Earl Pitts American busted in on the scene with his American Patriot views. Then slowley …. ever so slowley …. one …. then two …. then more like minded Patriots cast aside their fear and joined up also. Providing a much needed tipping of the scales twoard Truth, Justice, And The American Way.
      BUT MORE IMPORTANTLY:
      The mix of Patriot Comments here at our benevolent and beloved on-line host, F. P. has increaced readership, advertizing, and bottom-line revenue for our Beloved and Benevolant on-line host, F. P.
      Welcome Sandra, you are amoung friends “Here In The Lion’s Den”.
      EPA

  • salaryweb21

    October 7, 2023 at 11:05 am

    Good

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  • My Take

    October 7, 2023 at 11:18 am

    Stand with Ukraine.

    • Rick Whitaker

      October 7, 2023 at 12:04 pm

      now that deserves my tax money. the ukrainians are victims. the zionist, occupy and opress, big difference.

  • My Take

    October 7, 2023 at 12:58 pm

    The West Bank has the far greater reason to fight
    But it is always Gaza.
    I wonder why.
    Hamas I guess.

    • My Take

      October 7, 2023 at 2:05 pm

      Hezbollah seems to have appropriately stopped fighting once they drove Israel out of Lebanon.

  • PeterH

    October 7, 2023 at 1:25 pm

    Statement by Rick Scott:
    “ It’s 9:25 a.m. and we still haven’t heard from POTUS. Where the hell is Joe Biden?””
    FALSE
    As reported by POLITICO at 8:10AM President Biden had already completed his first of many phone calls today with Netanyahu! Additionally Anthony Blinken had reiterated America’s commitment to Israel. At this hour of 1:30pm there is absolutely no evidence that this unfortunate incursion has spread to neighboring Arab countries.

    So Rick Scott ….. it’s time for you to end your unnecessary conspiracy theories and go back to bed.

    • Earl Pitts "Earl's His Name Politics Is His Game" American Super-Man

      October 8, 2023 at 10:33 am

      Good mornting PeterH,
      I, Earl Pitts American understand your mind has been somewhat deficated by your association with Dook 4 Brains Leftism.
      However our Doctors and Scientists here at The Esteamed Earl Pitts American’s Doctor and Scientist Division have determinded you are not yet too far gone to rescue.
      So PeterH I. Earl Pitts American, invite you, “Rescuable Dook 4 Brains PeterH” to spend the remainder of this, the glorious day of your salvation, reading and re-reading each wise word of my above postings of EPA knowledge. And by sundown today you will be cured and begin your new life as a responsable member of The Earl Pitts American Fan Club.
      Take your phone to the bathroom when you have to relieve yourself and just keep reading. If you are making love to your sweetheart have her read my words if wisdom to while y’all are “doing the nasty”.
      Good luck PeterH and welcome back to sanity,
      EPS

  • My Take

    October 7, 2023 at 3:20 pm

    Has Hamas made any statement as to specifically why they are attacking, or attacking now?

  • My Take

    October 7, 2023 at 4:15 pm

    And what’s wrong with that tank? It doesn’t look hit.

    • My Take

      October 8, 2023 at 12:17 am

      The tank’s engine compartment is burned oùt.
      Saw another view on world news.

  • Charlotte Greenbarg

    October 8, 2023 at 8:20 am

    Twisted anti-Israel commenters reveal the hate they have. Never again!

    • Earl Pitts "America's Life Coach" American

      October 8, 2023 at 9:21 am

      Thank you my dear Charlotte,
      Score another win for The Good Guys, America !!
      BOO-YAHH:
      As you can clearly see I, Earl Pitts American, have converted another former Democratic voter to a clear-minded, rightious, American Patriot. Welcome to God’s Team Dear Charlotte.
      Earl Pitts American

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  • My Take

    October 8, 2023 at 12:01 pm

    Occupied and expelled Palestinians and diaspora Jews are very much alike:
    “NEVER Forget” and “Next Year in Jerusalem!”

  • My Take

    October 8, 2023 at 12:12 pm

    You have to wonder what would have happened had the Palestinians ever been offered anything close to a fair peace.

  • MH/Duuuval

    October 8, 2023 at 11:16 pm

    POTUS was probably attending mass at 9 AM, while Rick was blowing hot air from his neck on some news show.

    The real kicker here, tho, is Randy Fine’s tagline: #BombsAway #KillTheAnimals

    Meanwhile, as in every militarized conflict, civilians — on all sides — pay the greatest price

Comments are closed.


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