Residents protesting Palm Beach County's more than $1 billion investment in Israeli bonds repeatedly interrupted a county commission budget hearing on Tuesday, prompting sheriff's deputies to remove several of them and forcing a recess of more than 30 minutes.
Removed from the chamber were speakers who tried to argue that the bond investments promoted genocide in Gaza. Most of the protesters, however, were stopped before they could make much of a statement.
“I have never seen such a ruckus,” Commissioner Maria Sachs said.
Before public comment began, County Mayor Sara Baxter said speakers could address only the proposed budget under consideration for final adoption.
County Administrator Joe Abruzzo said the investments stem from a policy established by the Office of the Clerk of the Circuit Court and Comptroller when he served in the post. Abruzzo said the county’s Israeli bond investments are separate from the county budget.
Nonetheless, several speakers urged the commission to stop investing in Israeli bonds. They were cut off once it became clear they were addressing the bond investments rather than the budget.
One speaker identified himself as a military retiree and wore a uniform, prompting Commissioner Joel Flores, also a veteran, to say the man had embarrassed his service.
“We are taught to respect the rules, and this person did not do that,” Flores said.
Palm Beach County has invested more than $1 billion in Israeli bonds, making it the world’s largest government investor in them.
Abruzzo said the investments generate a strong rate of return and argued that the county should support Israel, one of the United States’ closest allies.
Opponents have filed lawsuits challenging the investments and have appeared at numerous public meetings to protest the policy.
Commissioners praised Sheriff Ric Bradshaw for restoring order and removing people who disregarded their warnings.
Mike Diamond is a journalist atThe Palm Beach Post, part of the USA TODAY Florida Network. He covers Palm Beach County government. You can reach him at mdiamond@pbpost.com. Help support local journalism. Subscribe today.
This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: Israeli bond protesters disrupt Palm Beach County budget hearing
