Yang: Those who thought tweet in support of Israel was ‘overly simplistic’ are correct

New York mayoral candidate Andrew Yang (D) on Wednesday sought to add clarity to an earlier statement in support of Israel amid a recent flare-up of violence in the region, saying those who thought his first tweet was “overly simplistic” are correct. 

“I’m standing with the people of Israel who are coming under bombardment attacks, and condemn the Hamas terrorists,” Yang had said on Monday, prompting backlash from multiple Democrats, including, he said Wednesday, some on his campaign team.

“Many of them were upset with my recent tweet expressing solidarity with the people of Israel in conjunction with the violence in the region this week that has claimed the lives of innocents and children on both sides,” the former presidential candidate wrote.

“They felt that my tweet was overly simplistic in my treatment of a conflict that has a long and complex history full of tragedies,” he added — and said they were right.

Yang said that supporting one particular people “does not make one blind to the pain and suffering from others.” 

pic.twitter.com/uzrf9PbiR4

— Andrew Yang (@AndrewYang) May 12, 2021

Several prominent conservatives — including Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas), former Trump administration adviser Stephen Miller and Donald Trump Jr. — had praised the former tech entrepreneur for his support of Israel and condemnation of the Palestinian militant group Hamas for its actions in the rising conflict in Gaza. 

Liberals such as Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-N.Y.), however, who are increasingly critical of the Israeli government’s handling of the conflict, were less enthused.

Utterly shameful for Yang to try to show up to an Eid event after sending out a chest-thumping statement of support for a strike killing 9 children, especially after his silence as Al-Aqsa was attacked.

But then to try that in Astoria? During Ramadan?! They will let you know. https://t.co/r721mHyfri

— Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (@AOC) May 11, 2021

Tensions between Israelis and Palestinians have been rising over the past week after Israeli police clashed with Palestinians worshippers at the Al-Aqsa Mosque as celebrations were taking place during the Muslim holiday of Ramadan.

Israeli forces have carried out multiple airstrikes across the Gaza Strip in retaliation to a barrage of thousands of rockets fired by Hamas.

Israel says it has killed more than a dozen Hamas militants in the strikes, although Palestinian officials have reported more than 50 civilian casualties.