DeSantis declares state of emergency over Americans trapped in Israel

Florida Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis on Thursday declared a state of emergency in response to the large number of Americans currently in Israel amid the ongoing conflict between that country and Hamas terrorists in the Gaza Strip.

A major raid by the terrorist group over the weekend saw its forces seize several border towns, take hostages, and kill civilians. The incursion has prompted retaliatory strikes by Israel on the Gaza Strip. At least 25 Americans have died thus far. More than 20,000 Americans remain in the country, the governor stated. 

He further lamented that "the Biden Administration has failed to launch any form of rescue or evacuation operations for Americans, including Floridians, stranded in the region, and has failed to provide information requested by the State of Florida about any plans for such operations."

"I declare that a state of emergency exists in the State of Florida," he continued. "I order the Adjutant General to activate the Florida National Guard, as needed, to deal with this emergency. I further order the Director of the State Guard to activate the Florida State Guard, as needed, to respond to the emergency."

The order further directs the myriad other state organizations to coordinate with the federal government and work to repatriate the Americans still in Israel.

Ben Whedon is an editor and reporter for Just the News. Follow him on X, formerly Twitter.