Fishback Pledges to Divest $385 Million from Israel Bonds, Redirect to Florida Housing

James Fishback announced he will divest $385 million in Florida pension funds from Israel Bonds on Day One of his administration, redirecting the funds to a new housing assistance program for young Florida families. "I'll be the first to admit that I fell for the 'Israel is our greatest ally' scam and the lie that criticizing Israel is 'antisemitic,'" Fishback said in a video statement. "But my job as Governor is to serve Floridians—not foreign governments." The divested funds would be used to create a Down Payment Assistance Program to help young Florida couples purchase their first homes in the state where they grew up. "We have young couples who were born here, raised here, whose grandparents are buried here—and they can't afford to buy a home," Fishback explained. "Meanwhile, we're investing hundreds of millions in foreign bonds? That's backwards." Fishback is the first Republican candidate for Governor to make such a pledge, breaking with decades of GOP orthodoxy on Israel policy. "I will refuse any dollar from AIPAC. I will not go to the country of Israel under any circumstances because my job is here at home," Fishback stated. The announcement has drawn both praise from America First conservatives and criticism from establishment Republicans.