US envoy sparks outcry appearing to equate Palestinian gunmen with Israeli terror victims

US Ambassador to Israel Tom Nides sparks an outcry by appearing to equate Palestinian gunmen killed by the IDF with Israeli terror victims.

“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,” Nides tweets in reference to six Palestinians killed in an IDF raid on Jenin yesterday and 4 Israelis killed in a terror attack today near the West Bank settlement of Eli.

Among the Palestinian dead were several gunmen claimed by terror groups.

Among those criticizing Nides is former head of the Anti-Defamation League Abe Foxman.

“Unfortunate statement from Israel’s best friend and ally. It borders on moral equivalency!” Foxman replies.

Nides later issues a more specific second tweet.

“I condemn in the strongest terms the senseless murder of four innocent Israelis today — my heart is with their grieving family members,” he says.

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