Netanyahu says ‘of course’ he will meet Florida’s DeSantis during Israel trip
Seemingly maintaining impartiality, Netanyahu says ‘it’s his job’ to meet with Republican and Democratic governors. DeSantis is set to visit Israel this week ahead of a 2024 presidential announcement
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis praying at the Western Wall on May 30, 2019. Photo by Florida Governor’s Press Office
This article originally appeared on Haaretz, and was reprinted here with permission. Sign up here to get Haaretz’s free Daily Brief newsletter delivered to your inbox.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu confirms he will meet with Republican Florida Governor Ron DeSantis when he visits Israel this week, Netanyahu said on CBS News’ Face the Nation on Sunday.
The expected 2024 presidential candidate is travelling to Japan, South Korea, Israel and the United Kingdom.
Asked if he planned to meet DeSantis, Netanyahu replied “of course,” adding, “I’ll meet with everyone.”
Seemingly maintaining impartiality, Netanyahu said “I meet with Republican governors and Democratic governors,” reiterating that he would “meet with every American representative, governor, senator, members of Congress and I think it’s my job.”
“I think it’s important for Israel’s bipartisan support in the United States,” Netanyahu said, as he is currently facing an unprecedented constitutional and social crisis he catalyzed with his plans to overhaul the judiciary.
DeSantis will be traveling to Israel as a part of a larger Florida/Asian trade delegation, will deliver the keynote address before a crowd of 400 participants, including around 120 U.S. Jewish philanthropists. According to a press release from the sponsoring organizations, he will speak about “the importance of the U.S.-Israel relationship – especially in difficult times.”
Considered to be the GOP front-runner, DeSantis has visited Israel three times as a member of Congress and once as governor (the sum total of his official foreign visits, as reported by the New York Times) has embodied the Republican Party’s rightward shift on Israel, having been among the most ardent supporters of Israel (and defenders against the country’s critics) since his time in the House.
