Former Florida gubernatorial candidate James Fishback was escorted out of the Miami-Dade County Commission chambers on Tuesday after criticizing the county’s decision to increase its investment limit in Israeli government bonds.
The incident happened shortly after commissioners unanimously approved a policy change allowing Miami-Dade to increase the portion of its investment portfolio held in Israeli bonds from 3% to 5%. The county has an investment portfolio of roughly $8 billion.
During public comments, Fishback questioned the commission’s decision and urged officials to invest taxpayer money locally instead. “Do you serve the people of South Miami or of Jerusalem?” Fishback asked before continuing his criticism of the Israel bond investment.
Commission Chair Anthony Rodriguez had warned speakers not to address the Israel-bond legislation because the matter had already been considered by a commission committee and was not open for discussion during that portion of the meeting.
Fishback continued speaking despite the warning, prompting plainclothes deputies to approach the podium and escort him from the chamber.
Miami-Dade already holds approximately $141 million in Israeli bonds, according to reports. The new policy raises the maximum amount the county can invest in such bonds from 3% to 5% of its portfolio.
County officials have defended the investment, saying the funds are not simply discretionary spending and that investment decisions are made under state and local requirements with the goal of obtaining returns for the county. The proposal has faced opposition from activists who have called on Miami-Dade to divest from Israeli bonds.
Fishback, a Republican political figure and former candidate for Florida governor, has made criticism of U.S. support for Israel a significant part of his political platform.
He has argued that criticizing Israel should not be treated as antisemitism and has called for the United States to put American interests first. His comments have also drawn accusations of antisemitism, which he has denied.
Tuesday’s confrontation, however, centered on Miami-Dade’s public-comment rules and the Israel bond resolution, rather than a formal vote to silence criticism of Israel.
Several other speakers also objected to the commission’s handling of the issue, with some having their microphones cut or being removed after continuing to discuss the resolution.
The incident has since sparked renewed debate over public-comment rules, free speech and the role of local governments in investing public funds in foreign government securities.
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