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Speaking in Jerusalem during an international tour aimed at
burnishing his foreign policy credentials before an expected
presidential bid, DeSantis hailed Israel as "one of the most valued
and trusted" allies of the United States.
But he faced questions on the lawsuit filed against him by Disney,
which has accused his administration of "weaponizing its power to
inflict political punishment" in a dispute over special provisions
for the Disney World theme part in central Florida.
"I don't think the suit has merit, I think it's political," DeSantis
told reporters at a news conference.
DeSantis, who is expected to challenge former President Donald Trump
for the Republican nomination, has been embroiled in a row with
Disney over a Florida measure banning classroom discussion of
sexuality and gender identity with young children.
Florida has passed legislation ending special conditions that gave
Disney virtual autonomy in the Florida district where Disney World
is located and where it attracts millions of visitors a year.
"They had no transparency, no accountability, none of that, and that
arrangement was not good for the state of Florida," DeSantis said.
"We did not think that that should continue, so we now have brought
accountability." he said.
Disney, which has criticised the Florida classroom measure, says the
state government has illegally punished it for voicing an opinion
that should be protected by free speech rights.
(Reporting by Emily Rose, Writing by James Mackenzie; Editing by
Robert Birsel)
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