Miami-Dade commissioners raised the county's cap on Israeli government bond investments from 3% to 5% of its portfolio on Tuesday, Sept. 1, passing the measure without discussion.

The vote drew a dramatic confrontation. James Fishback, a former Republican candidate for Florida governor, was escorted out of the commission chambers by plainclothes sheriff's deputies after defying Commission Chair Anthony Rodriguez's instructions not to address the bond item.

Commissioner René García, who sponsored the resolution, said the policy change does not require the county to buy Israeli bonds. "It gives the clerk and our investment personnel the flexibility to pick the best return on yields for this community," García said after the vote, the Miami Herald reported.

The Herald valued the portfolio at $8 billion. Rodriguez put the figure closer to $9 billion during the meeting, according to WPLG-Local 10. The county resolution does not specify a total.

Under commission rules, the public cannot speak on most agenda items at a full commission meeting if a committee has already held a hearing. The Intergovernmental and Economic Impact Committee forwarded the resolution with a favorable recommendation on July 15, according to county records.

Rodriguez told the audience the item had already passed and that there had been a public opportunity to testify. Several speakers tried to address the bond item anyway. Rodriguez allowed some to make their points before directing deputies to remove those who continued.

Fishback, who finished third in the Aug. 18 Republican gubernatorial primary with 10.4% of the vote according to Fox News, told Rodriguez he was not there to talk about Israel. He then walked through his criticism of the county's bond purchases, asking commissioners whether they served the people of Aventura or Tel Aviv. As he spoke, deputies approached the lectern and began escorting him out. They moved him to a rear exit and down a set of stairs. Fishback texted the Herald that he was ejected to street level.

Jared Simon, who helped lead the campaign against the expanded bond rules, told commissioners during public comment on an unrelated item that the commission had not discussed the legislation. Simon later told the Herald his coalition wanted nothing to do with Fishback.

Commissioner Danielle Cohen Higgins urged the public to separate the emotional debate from the investment decision, calling the bonds a case of investing wisely in safe assets with strong returns.

The resolution also removes a prior requirement that Israeli bonds carry an "A" rating from at least two agencies. A 2025 Florida law now allows local governments to invest in Israeli bonds regardless of rating. The county developed the policy in consultation with its investment advisor, Hilltop Securities Inc.

Kevin Deutsch, who supports García's legislation, said commission staff told him he could not speak on the item. He expressed frustration that opponents were allowed to address commissioners while supporters were not.

The resolution takes effect within 10 days of adoption unless vetoed by the county mayor.