Bi-partisan Florida lawmakers offer proclamation supporting Israel's sovereignty, defense

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. —  There was a bipartisan show of support for Israel from the Florida Legislature Wednesday morning. A large contingent of lawmakers endorsed a proclamation backing the Jewish nation’s efforts as the conflict with Hamas continued for a second week.

“Florida stands with Israel," House Speaker Rep. Paul Renner, R-Palm Coast, said during the bipartisan press conference. "If you stand for freedom, if you stand for peace, you should stand with Israel and with Florida’s Jewish community today and in the future. We are with them until the end.”

The proclamation, to be sent to the U.S. president and Congress condemns the Hamas attacks, supports Israel’s sovereignty and defense, plus demands an end to any direct and indirect financial support of Iran. The nation has supported Hamas in the past but denied involvement in the latest conflict.

"Hamas terrorists will not win because we will not let them,” Senate Minority Leader Lauren Book, D-Davie, said. "Yesterday, today, and for all time, we stand with Israel."