But Really, Would Joe Lieberman Ever Criticize Israel?

The Connecticut Independent finally responded today to Israel’s attack Monday on an international aid flotilla making its way to Gaza.

Nothing shocking here.

“Israel exercised her legitimate right of self defense,” Lieberman said in a statement.

The flotilla was a clear provocation and was not an effort to improve the lives of the people of Gaza but rather an attempt to score political propaganda points.  The Palestinian people have legitimate rights to a state that is a peaceful neighbor of Israel, but those who assist Hamas only undermine that goal and a peaceful resolution.  Support of Hamas and its aims is not the humanitarian path to peace, but rather enables continued violence and conflict.

Lieberman also applauded the Obama administration for its response to the attack, during which nine activists were killed, including a U.S. citizen. The White House, he said, “has refused to join the international herd that has rushed to convict Israel before the facts were known and has apparently forgotten that Israel is a democratic nation and Hamas is a terrorist group.”

At difficult moments like this, it is more important than ever for the U.S. to stand steadfastly with our democratic ally, Israel.

The only mystery is why it took Lieberman, among the strongest backers of Israel on Capitol Hill, so long to issue his comments.