Governor Ron DeSantis (R-FL) has made various moves over the years to demonstrate Florida's strong relationship with the state of Israel. Now, recent actions the governor has taken against Iran are being criticized by State Rep. Anna Eskamani (D-FL) after it is said to have played a significant role in the Hamas terrorist attack that has claimed the lives of 1,200 Israelis and foreign nationals.
Rep. Eskamani has been a long-time critic of Gov. DeSantis, especially considering she is one of the Florida House's loudest progressive voices. However, the progressive Eskamani seems to be taking DeSantis' recent actions against Iran differently than usual.
DeSantis announced s that Florida will move to increase sanctions against Iran and all-out block Iranian businesses in the state of Florida. DeSantis stated as he stood behind a pro-Israel podium.
"Our proposed legislation will of course reinforce Florida's commitment that we don't do business with state sponsors of terrorism, such as Iran.," said DeSantis
The prohibitions against Iran will not cease until President Joe Biden (D) and Congress certify that Iran has stopped supporting international terrorism and attempting to acquire weapons of mass destruction.
Eskamani questioned DeSantis' tactics in a post on X, responding to his announcement of new sanctions. "The US has imposed restrictions on activities w/Iran under various legal authorities since 1979, following the seizure of the U.S. Embassy in Tehran. What Iranian businesses is Governor DeSantis talking about?"
The US has imposed restrictions on activities w/Iran under various legal authorities since 1979, following the seizure of the U.S. Embassy in Tehran.
What Iranian businesses is Governor DeSantis talking about?
More here: https://t.co/FKcmth5Kx5 https://t.co/8BfFxTWKKv
— Rep. Anna V. Eskamani 🔨 (@AnnaForFlorida) October 11, 2023
While the response was mild, there seems to be a shift in how Democratic politicians have responded to the recent attacks in Israel. In 2021 corporations and Liberal lawmakers sided heavily with the people of Palestine, but the tides seem to have shifted in these last 2 years.
Considering how horrific the attacks were, it is possible that Palestine and Hamas have lost sympathy from many progressives..
