A peaceful Saturday in the Sunshine State was interrupted by news of Israel being attacked by Iranian drones, with two legislators in the House offering arguably the most diametric difference in reactions that were first among Florida politicians.
"Whoever hurts us, we will hurt them." Go get 'em, Bibi. #BombsAway," posted Rep. Randy Fine, a Brevard County elected who is the only Jewish Republican in the Legislature.
Meanwhile, Democratic Rep. Anna V. Eskamani, a Winter Park legislator with Iranian ancestry, offered more muted reaction.
"This is incredibly scary. Praying for the safety of innocent people and advocating for immediate de-escalation and ceasefire. We do not need more wars. Period."
While Fine and Eskamani have a very personal connection to the conflict in the Middle East, they are by no means alone in reacting, with federal officials weighing in as well.
Sen. Rick Scott, who was recently in Israel, offered a take laying blame on President Joe Biden.
"Israel is once again under attack and the United States must clearly and strongly stand with our great ally and fully support its right and obligation to defend itself by any means necessary," Scott asserted.
"Today, I am praying for the safety of the Israeli people and call on every Republican and Democrat to stand unequivocally with Israel as it fights for its very existence against evil terrorism. Again and again, Democrats have blocked the passage of aid for Israel. The House has passed a good bill that is ready for Senate passage right now. I urge Majority Leader Chuck Schumer to immediately put the House-passed clean Israel aid bill on the floor, as well as my Stop Taxpayer Funding of Hamas Act, the moment we return to Washington on Monday. Nothing before the Senate is more important and I will do everything in my power to make sure that vote happens."
The Senator blamed the White House for having "emboldened Iran with appeasement, freeing billions of dollars to fuel Iran's support of terrorism and turning its back on Israel."
Sen. Marco Rubio was terser in his initial response, but clear in his meaning.
"We're looking at the most dangerous Middle East moment since 1973," the Senior Senator said.
Other Congressional Republicans railed at the executive branch also.
"Reminder: the Biden administration refused to push for a renewal of UN sanctions on Iranian drones and missiles. Now they are heading towards Israel," asserted Rep. Mike Waltz, a Central Florida Republican.
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