US approves 'Florida stands with Israel' license plates

The governor of Florida has greenlit plans to offer license plates showing support for Israel, the Jewish Telegraphic Agency reported.

Governor Ron DeSantis signed legislation on Tuesday allowing allowing the creation of dozens of speciality license plates, including one emblazoned with "Florida stands with Israel".

At least 3,000 plates must be ordered before production begins, and the Israeli-American Council has already promised to launch a marketing campaign to make sure the message is seen on the roads of the panhandle state.

The Israeli-American Council will also host a competition to decide which design will adorn the plates.

A portion of the profits from license plate sales will be donated to Hatzalah of Miami-Dade, a volunteer first responder organisation.

The plans come as the Trump administration spearheads efforts to see Arab nations normalise relations with Israel. 

The United Arab Emirates and Bahrain have established diplomatic ties with Israel over the past few weeks, with Sudan and Oman also rumoured to be considering the move.

Kosovo, a small Balkan state with a Muslim-majority, has also agreed to recognise Israel as part of a recent US-brokered agreement.

Governor DeSantis is a Republican and close ally of President Donald Trump.

As a member of the House of Representatives, DeSantis advocated cutting US aid to the Palestinian Authority until it "recognises Israel's right to exist as a Jewish state". He also introduced an act allowing Israeli companies to label items manufactured in the occupied West Bank as "Made in Israel".

Last year, the Florida governor ordered the state to no longer reimburse employees for travel expenses incurred with Airbnb and placed the company on a "Scrutinised Companies List" after it withdrew from Israeli settlements in the West Bank.

The company later reversed its ban on rental listings in settlements considered illegal under international law.

Follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram to stay connected