Republican Presidential candidate and Florida Governor has called lawmakers back to the state Capitol in Tallahassee for a special session aimed at imposing additional sanctions on Iran.
DeSantis’s decision to convene the session stems from Iran’s alleged support of Hamas in its recent surprise attack on Israel. The Iranian government, however, denies these allegations and rejects any involvement in the attack’s preparation.
U.S. officials have acknowledged Iran’s indirect involvement in training, funding, and supporting Hamas. Both Hamas and Iran openly admit to their partnership in the long-standing conflict with Jerusalem. While Hamas seeks an end to Israeli occupation, Iran aims for greater regional influence and the destruction of Israel.
“The details, including the date and scope, are being worked out between legislative leadership and our office. We look forward to working with the legislature to demonstrate Florida’s ongoing support for Israel,” stated Jeremy Redfern, spokesperson for DeSantis, in an email to The Associated Press.
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The state Legislature is scheduled to commence its annual session in January.
DeSantis’s announcement comes over a week after he increased the state’s sanctions on Iran in response to the country’s support for the Hamas attacks.
The proposed legislation, to be introduced in the upcoming session, will further escalate sanctions on Iran. It will also block Iranian businesses in Florida, building on a bill signed by DeSantis in May that limits property ownership by citizens from China, Cuba, Venezuela, Syria, Russia, North Korea, and Iran.
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DeSantis’s actions follow his efforts to bring Floridians home from Israel, along with declaring a state of emergency, dispatching supply-loaded airplanes to Israel, and openly supporting Israel’s war against Hamas.
Democratic House Leader Fentrice Driskell has questioned DeSantis’s motives for calling the special session, according to The AP. Driskell stated in a news release, “This appears to be yet another instance of Ron DeSantis using the Legislature to boost his failing presidential campaign. We will closely monitor the use of taxpayers’ money to ensure it isn’t wasted in an attempt to impress out-of-state GOP primary voters.”
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