SURFSIDE, Fla. — Local 10 News got an inside look Wednesday as Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu made a rare South Florida visit at the Shul of Bal Harbour in Surfside amid tight security and large crowds.

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It marked Netanyahu’s first trip to South Florida since becoming prime minister.

Local 10’s Rosh Lowe was the only South Florida television reporter allowed inside the synagogue during the prayer service.

Lowe spoke with U.S. Rep. Carlos A. Gimenez and Miami Beach Mayor Steven Meiner as supporters packed the room.

“This is the first time Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has been to South Florida since he’s been prime minister, particularly Miami,” Gimenez said. “I think he’s been maybe to Mar-a-Lago before, but I don’t think he’s been down here. And so it is very historic.”

Gimenez said Netanyahu’s last visit to the area was about 25 years ago for a private wedding.

“This is a historic event and certainly my honor to have been invited to it and certainly my honor to be attending it,” he said.

Gimenez, who previously served as Miami-Dade County mayor, reiterated his strong support for Israel.

“I’m 100% behind Israel and I have been for a long, long time,” he said. “They’re our greatest ally, you know, the only democracy in the entire region, and yeah, I’ll stand behind Israel 100%.”

As crowds gathered inside and outside the synagogue, Gimenez pointed to Netanyahu’s leadership as the reason for the excitement.

“He’s a great leader and he has helped to protect Israel,” Gimenez said. “Peace comes through strength. It doesn’t come through appeasement. And so Benjamin Netanyahu shows strength, and he is committed to the survival and the prosperity of his nation.”

Miami Beach Mayor Steven Meiner also spoke with Lowe during the live broadcast, calling the visit significant for the region.

“This is tremendous,” Meiner said. “We have the Prime Minister Bibi Netanyahu coming here and you can see the support that the South Florida community has for Israel, and we’re all out here to show our support.”

Meiner said Netanyahu’s decision to visit South Florida instead of a larger city reflects the region’s strong ties to Israel.

“In years this would have been in New York, and now the prime minister of Israel is choosing to come to South Florida and be here,” Meiner said.

He added that Miami Beach has taken a firm stance against antisemitism.

“We in Miami Beach are the leading example of what it is to support Israel and fight antisemitism,” Meiner said. “We will always stand with Israel.”

Meiner also addressed public safety concerns, noting that while free speech is protected, intimidation and harassment are not.

“Free speech is allowed, but you cannot intimidate and harass people,” he said. “That’s where it goes over the line.”

Surfside police said northbound vehicular and pedestrian traffic on Collins Avenue between 93rd Street and 96th Street was suspended beginning at 10 a.m. Southbound Harding Avenue remained open, and pedestrians were directed to Harding Avenue or the beach hardpack.

Passenger vehicles were routed west on 93rd Street and south on Harding Avenue, Byron Avenue or Bay Drive to reach 96th Street and exit Surfside. Some town facilities were closed during the visit.

The U.S. Secret Service said it could not comment on protectee schedules but said it worked closely with local partners to communicate traffic changes and minimize disruptions for residents and businesses.

Netanyahu’s visit drew supporters from Surfside, Bal Harbour, Miami Beach and beyond, with heavy security visible throughout the area.

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