MK Danny Danon (Likud) met on Wednesday evening with Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, who is on a visit to Israel and who is likely to run for US President in the 2024 elections.
Danon said that "Florida Governor Ron DeSantis is a true friend of Israel. We have friends in the US who will maintain the special relationship between Israel and the greatest of its friends. The deep bond between Israel and the US, which us based on shared values, is stronger than any challenge of one kind or another."
DeSantis, who arrived in Israel for a one-day visit, will meet with President Isaac Herzog, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Foreign Minister Eli Cohen. DeSantis is scheduled to deliver a keynote speech on Thursday at an event held by the Jerusalem Post newspaper and the Museum of Tolerance.
The Florida Governor is a known supporter of Israel. He recently defended the right of Jews to live in their Biblical homeland of Judea and Samaria and reiterated that he does not consider these territories to be "occupied".
Should he announce a 2024 Presidential bid, he would be among those challenging former President Donald Trump for the Republican nomination.
Trump has warned DeSantis against running for president in 2024, saying, “I think he would be making a mistake. I think the base would not like it. I don’t think it would be good for the party.”