In a show of unwavering support for Israel, Republican presidential candidate and Florida Governor Ron DeSantis announced his plans to cancel the student visas of foreign nationals expressing support for Hamas' recent attack on the Jewish State. Speaking at a campaign event in Iowa, DeSantis condemned pro-Palestinian student groups across the nation for endorsing the terrorist group's largest attack on Israel in decades. He stated, "You see students demonstrating in our country in favor of Hamas. Remember, some of them are foreigners." If elected president in 2024, DeSantis vowed to "cancel your visa, and I'm sending you home."

Joining DeSantis at the event, fellow Republican presidential candidate and South Carolina Senator Tim Scott expressed his own measures against antisemitism on college campuses. Scott proposed withholding Pell Grants from universities that failed to eradicate antisemitism. Both candidates emphasized their unwavering support for Israel amidst the ongoing conflict between the Jewish State and Hamas.

DeSantis's strong stance against Hamas stems from his condemnation of the group's surprise attack on Israel on October 7. In response to the attack, many pro-Palestinian student groups, including Harvard Palestine Solidarity Groups, released statements endorsing Hamas' actions. However, these statements faced bipartisan backlash, leading to the removal of signatures from the Harvard Palestine Solidarity Groups' statement.

In addition to his verbal support for Israel, DeSantis has taken tangible action to assist Floridians stranded in Israel. He authorized logistical, rescue, and evacuation operations through Florida's Division of Emergency Management, resulting in nearly 300 Floridians returning to the Sunshine State. The governor also facilitated cargo plane shipments containing medical supplies, clothing items, hygiene products, and children's toys to Israel.

DeSantis's strong stance against Hamas sympathizers extends to his opposition to accepting refugees from Gaza. He firmly stated, "We cannot accept people from Gaza into this country as refugees. If you look at how they behave, not all of them are Hamas, but they are all antisemitic. None of them believe in Israel's right to exist."

DeSantis and Scott's positions regarding Hamas sympathizers and antisemitism echo sentiments expressed by other Republican lawmakers. Senator Marco Rubio urged the Biden administration to rescind visas of foreign nationals defending or supporting Hamas, while Senator Tom Cotton called for the deportation of foreign nationals, including those on student visas, who expressed support for the terrorist group.

The event in Iowa showcased the hawkish messages of DeSantis and Scott on Israel, highlighting their determination to combat antisemitism and support the Jewish State. While DeSantis vowed to revoke student visas of Hamas sympathizers, Scott proposed withholding Pell Grants from universities that failed to address antisemitism on their campuses. The Republican contenders' focus on students and academic institutions reflects a broader Republican critique of liberal college campuses fostering “woke” extremism, which they claim is now manifesting as anti-Israel sentiment.

As the competition among Republican presidential contenders intensifies, their messages on Israel seek to resonate with conservative voters who prioritize unwavering support for the Jewish State. The event in Iowa, hosted by Representative Mariannette Miller-Meeks, serves as a platform for candidates to solidify their positions ahead of the state's highly anticipated first-in-the-nation presidential caucus.