OU rips Sanders over Israel

The non-partisan Orthodox Union on Monday rejected comments by Democratic presidential hopeful Sen. Bernie Sanders about Israel.

Sanders said the United States should pursue a “more balanced approach” between the Israelis and the Palestinians and that he believes that Israel's war of self-defense against Hamas in 2014 was "disproportionate.” 

The OU issued the following statement:

“The Orthodox Union rejects Sen. Sanders' assertion that Israel acted in a 'disproportionate' manner in responding to Hamas terrorist actions; frankly, we are offended by Sen. Sanders’ suggestion. In 2014, Israel was attacked by Hamas, which fired more than 4,500 rockets and mortars from Gaza at Israel. These rockets were intended to murder and maim innocent Israelis.

“Moreover, Israeli forces discovered and destroyed 34 tunnels terrorist groups had created to kidnap Israeli soldiers, invade Israeli civilian communities and wreak havoc. And, Hamas engaged in a documented practice of placing its terrorist personnel and materiel within schools, mosques and other civilian areas.

"In the face of all this, Israel’s response and tactics were anything but disproportionate or indiscriminate. Indeed, we take pride in the extraordinary efforts the Israel Defense Forces undertake — often yielding risks to its own soldiers — to avoid collateral civilian casualties.”