Florida leaders express support for Israel after surprise attack. Hundreds reported killed

Moments after news spread that militant Hamas rulers of the Gaza Strip launched more than 2,000 rockets in a multifront attack on Israel, Florida leaders spoke out against an attack that led Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to declare Israel “at war.”

“We condemn the assault in the strongest possible terms and recognize that Israel’s only plausible response is to rightfully pursue a comprehensive aggressive strategy to restore calm to the region. The surprise on the nation brings traumatizing resonance to the people of Israel, who this week are commemorating 50 years since the Yom Kippur War,” the Greater Miami Jewish Federation said in a statement posted on its website.

“No country should be asked to tolerate a barrage of thousands of rockets or militant infiltration to murder, kidnap or injure innocent civilians. Let us be unquestionably clear: These are tactics used by terror organizations whose goal is to wipe Israel off the map. The Jewish people and Israel will once again prevail,” the federation’s statement read in part.

Florida Congresswoman Frederica Wilson called for Democratic nations to unite and support Israel, echoing the Greater Miami Jewish Federation’s “call on our community to stand in solidarity with Israel” and a pledge President Biden issued to Netanyahu early Saturday.

Florida politicians’ response to attacks

READ MORE: How you can help support Israel in Miami after terrorist attacks

“The Democratic State of Israel is under attack, facing unprovoked and despicable assaults by Hamas terrorists,” Wilson said in her statement. “These brazen acts of violence demand the strongest condemnation, as there is no justification for launching over 2,200 missiles in a brutal assault raining down upon innocent citizens. Democratic nations worldwide must unite to support Israel, as unity is our strength in the face of united terrorism.”

Israel’s national rescue service said at least 100 people were killed and hundreds wounded, making it the deadliest attack in Israel in years, The Associated Press reported. An unknown number of Israeli soldiers and civilians were also taken captive and brought into Gaza, an enormously sensitive issue for Israel, according to AP.

At least 198 people in the Gaza Strip have been killed and at least 1,610 wounded in Israel’s retaliation, the Palestinian Health Ministry said, according to The Associated Press.

Netanyahu has called for a mass mobilization of army reserves. Israel returned strikes on Hamas targets in Gaza, CNN reported. The surprise assault happened on the Jewish high holiday of Simchat Torah and stirred comparisons to the 1973 Arab-Israeli War, or Yom Kippur War, when Arab states Egypt and Syria attacked Israel on Yom Kippur, the holiest day of the Jewish calendar. That assault came on Oct. 6, 1973 — 50 years ago nearly to the day of the dawn attack on Israel Saturday.

“I am deeply shocked and heartbroken at the news of attacks on Israeli civilians and the senseless acts of violence by Hamas terrorists, as Israel celebrated a Jewish holiday,” Miami-Dade Mayor Daniella Levine Cava said in a statement.

“These heinous acts of violence must come to an end to protect innocent lives. Miami-Dade stands with the people of Israel and their right to defend themselves against acts of terror today, tomorrow and always,” Levine Cava said.

Levine Cava also ordered the lowering of Miami-Dade flags across the county “to honor the innocent lives lost due to terrorist attacks in Israel,” she said on social media.

Wilson added that the United States is committed to aiding the Jewish state.

“Israel stands as the United States’ closest friend and ally, and our nation’s strength is intertwined with theirs,” Wilson said. “My prayers are with the people of Israel today, and as Israel prepares for war in these dark hours, the United States stands ready to support Israel’s right to defend itself. Our commitment to Israel is unwavering. “

Tallahassee and Washington reacts

The assault played its way into the race for the 2024 presidency.

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, who is seeking the Republican Party nomination in its 2024 presidential primaries, released a 36-second video Saturday that supports Israel but devotes half of its length to an attack on his rival for the White House.

“Israel is under attack. I stand with Israel. America stands with Israel. Not only do they have a right to defend themselves, they have a duty to defend themselves against these Iranian-backed Hamas terrorists,” DeSantis said in the clip. “Iran has helped fund this war against Israel and Joe Biden’s policies that have gone easy on Iran has helped to fill their coffers. Israel is now paying the price for these policies. We’re going to stand with the state of Israel. They need to root out Hamas. We need to stand up to Iran.”

On Saturday, President Joe Biden called Netanyahu “and stressed that the U.S. stands by Israel and fully supports Israel’s right to defend itself,” The Times of Israel reported. According to the prime minister’s office, Netanyahu told Biden that a “prolonged and powerful campaign will be required in which Israel will win.”

Biden also released a statement Saturday on social media.

“I made clear to Prime Minister Netanyahu that we stand ready to offer all appropriate means of support to the Government and people of Israel,” Biden’s statement read in part. “Terrorism is never justified. Israel has a right to defend itself and its people. The United States warns against any other party hostile to Israel seeking advantage in this situation. My Administration’s support for Israel’s security is rock solid and unwavering.”

Police react to attack

Police departments across South Florida told the public they would be keeping a more “vigilant” eye on synagogues and other locations in light of the attack.

Miami Beach police said on social media that it will be increasing “police visibility” near all synagogues and other “strategic” locations across the city.

“The safety and well-being of our community is our top priority, especially during difficult times,” the department said. “This is a proactive measure to ensure the safety and security of everyone. We will continue to keep the victims and their families in our thoughts and prayers.”

Miami-Dade police said it isn’t aware of any current threats to the communities in the county, but the department will “have an increased police presence in areas of religious significance, including mosques and synagogues ...”

“We are also reaching out to community partners to ensure they know we are here to support them,” the department said on social media. “As always, we remind our residents to remain vigilant.”

Sunny Isles Beach police also released a similar statement that it will have heightened police presence and visibility near synagogues and “key locations.”

“Our goal is to ensure the safety and security of all residents and visitors,” the department said. “Our officers are actively patrolling and monitoring these areas to provide protection and peace of mind.”

Hallandale Beach police is asking its residents to not be alarmed at heightened police presence in the community.

“In light of the recent horrific events in Israel, the City of Hallandale Beach wants you to know that the safety of every member of our community is of utmost importance,” the department said.

This report will be updated.