U.S. Ambassador to Israel Tom Nides responded on Twitter Tuesday to Israel's security tensions over today's attack on Ali and yesterday's activity in Jenin.
The ambassador wrote on Twitter: "We are deeply concerned about the deaths and injuries of civilians that have occurred in the West Bank in the past 48 hours, including minors. Praying for the families as they mourn the loss of their loved ones, or care for the wounded." Nides did not clarify whether he was referring to Israeli or Palestinian casualties or casualties on both sides. After criticizing him, he clarified in another tweet: I strongly condemn the senseless murder of four innocent Israelis today - my heart is with their grieving family members.
A political source in Israel: "Even if the wording is negligent, it is very outrageous, and the ambassador has at his disposal a large enough team and is expected to refrain from such wording."
The scene of the killing of the second terrorist from the attack in Ali // Arab networks
Nides' comments drew criticism. Attorney Arsen Ostrovsky, head of the International Legal Forum, wrote to Nides: "Mr. Ambassador, can you clarify what you are saying? "Are you referring to the massacre today of four Israelis, by Palestinian terrorists in my husband? Or that Israel was forced yesterday to defend its citizens from terrorists in Jenin? I really hope you're not implying moral equality."
Deeply concerned about the civilian deaths and injuries that have occurred in the West Bank these past 48 hours, including that of minors. Praying for the families as they mourn the loss of loved ones, or tend to those injured.
— Ambassador Tom Nides (@USAmbIsrael) June 20, 2023
Unusually, Israel's ambassador to the United States, Michael Herzog, responded harshly to the attack and implicitly condemned Nides' weak response: "Today, another heinous Palestinian terror attack claimed the lives of 4 innocent Israeli civilians. There is no justification for harming and killing innocent civilians. This must be unequivocally condemned. Any attempt at "balanced" condemnation is wrong and does not respect the memory of the victims.
Israel will do whatever is necessary to protect the citizens of Israel and stop this wave of terror."
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