New York, N.Y., August 1, 2001 … The Anti-Defamation League (ADL) today expressed strong concern with the United States condemnation of Israel's strike against Hamas in Nablus on Tuesday. The U.S. State Department deemed the act "excessive."

In a statement, Abraham H. Foxman, ADL National Director, said:

The State Department’s criticism of Israel’s strike against Hamas is unwarranted.

The United States cannot look at Tuesday's action in a vacuum. It follows numerous violent attacks against the Israeli people over past days, as well as far-too-many foiled terrorist attacks in cities across Israel.

The Israeli government has an obligation to protect its citizens in a manner it believes is most effective. Prime Minister Ariel Sharon and his government have been acting with remarkable restraint in light of flagrant Palestinian violence and provocation.

The US and the international community cannot expect Israel to react with silence when faced with ongoing violence. The onus continues to be on the Palestinian Authority to stop the violence.

The Anti-Defamation League, founded in 1913, is the world's leading organization fighting anti-Semitism through programs and services that counteract hatred, prejudice and bigotry.