There seems to be a national expectation and anticipation that Governor Ron DeSantis will be announcing his intent to run in the 2024 presidential race any day now.

The opportunity that's been extended to him to speak at the "Celebrate the Faces of Israel" event coming up on April 27 is believed by many to be an opportunity that will strengthen his credentials as a presidential candidate.

DeSantis will be keynote speaker at Israel event

DeSantis is traveling there as a participant in a larger Florida/Asian trade delegation, according to The Jerusalem Post.

He has been extended the honor of being the keynote speaker in front of a crowd of 400 attendees, including about 120 Jewish philanthropists.

Desantis' trip is looked on as another hint toward an anticipated announcement of a 2024 presidential bid, according to Reuters.

Traditionally, Republicans interested in running for president will reach out to Israel and publically express support for Israel. This is often done as a way to gain campaign donations, the American-Jewish votes, and as a way to gain potential swing state votes, according to The Atlantic.

Israel plagued by protests and strikes

DeSantis' decision to visit Israel comes at a volte time in that country given the fact it has been racked by crises such as protests and workers who are striking in response to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's coalition to revamp the judiciary, according to the National Post.

Netanyahu has paused his plans, saying he is open to discussion from those who are in opposition.

"Celebrate the Faces of Israel" is intended to address the persistent national tensions that plague Israel by teaching about Israel's history, and introducing the audience to the leaders who embrace tolerance and acceptance, according to The Jerusalem Post.

Desantis' address will focus on the importance of the relationship between the United States and Israel, especially during challenging times.

"A few months after my inauguration for my first term as governor of Florida, I traveled to Israel for a state visit with the largest ever trade delegation from the sunshine state to the Jewish state," DeSantis told The Jerusalem Post.

"Since that time, we have strengthened the relationship between Florida and Israel through increased investment by Israeli companies in our state, fighting the scourge of BDS, and being home to the fastest growing Jewish population in the United States,” he continued.
"At a time of unnecessarily strained relations between Jerusalem and Washington, Florida serves as a bridge between the American and Israeli people," he said.

DeSantis may hit on successes as Governor to shore up 2024 presidential bid

If  DeSantis chooses to announce a 2024 White House run when he gets back to the states, he will likely use many of his accomplishments as Florida's governor as a part of his campaign platform.

During his state of the state address on March 7th, he opened by borrowing a military acronym: "Well, as we used to do in the military, here’s the BLUF (Bottom Line Up Front): Florida is number one and working together we will ensure that Florida remains the number one state in these United States.

Not only did he claim that "Florida is the fastest growing state in the nation,"  but he went on to point out that it ranks number one for net in-migration, new business formations, and that it has the best economic growth among large states.

He also hit on successes in regard to low unemployment, a high state budget surplus, low state taxes, low state debt, enacting over $1 billion in tax relief as a way to fight inflation in Florida, and several other achievements.