From Israel, DeSantis Strikes a Blow Against His Core Voters

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Florida Governor Ron DeSantis signed legislation that severely punishes hate crimes after giving an electrifying speech in Israel.

The "Public Nuisances" bill, which the Legislature approved, makes it illegal for hate groups to harass individuals based on race or religion.

DeSantis is demonstrating the power of his far-reaching hand of justice. And it might come at the expense of his voting base.

The farmland of antisemitism

According to the Anti-Defamation League, Florida recorded one of the highest numbers of antisemitic incidents in the United States last year.

DeSantis's core voters seem to be disgruntled with this decision. A large number of far-right, especially alt-right Republicans, identify with antisemitism and hate against minorities. These people are also the ones who visit the voting polls when necessary.

DeSantis is in Israel as part of an international economic drive that includes South Korea and Japan stops. Before concluding his international tour in the United Kingdom, he also met with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

The presidential run

DeSantis is preparing to run for president in 2024 as early as mid-May.

DeSantis also signed a resolution to fight antisemitism in Israel in 2019. Its purpose was to stop religious discrimination in Florida's public schools.

DeSantis spoke to a packed audience at the Museum of Tolerance Jerusalem. DeSantis entered the hall to applause as his wife Casey stood at his side.

"We must support Israel's right to defend itself," the Florida governor told the crowd.

DeSantis related the oft-told tale of how the water from the Sea of Galilee is used to baptize his children and how people in Israel gave him some new holy water after workers at the Governor's Mansion mistook and tossed out a half-empty bottle.

He also emphasized the need for national security

"Iran's pursuit of nuclear weapons creates a risk you've not seen in this region," DeSantis said. "It's an existential threat to Israel and the United States of America."

The dramatic escalation of DeSantis' fight with Disney, which has accused him of being anti-business and conducting a "targeted campaign of government retaliation" in a new lawsuit, threatens to overshadow his ostensibly pro-business trade mission.

How do you feel about DeSanti's latest strike against hate crimes?

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