The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) has caused controversy on Twitter after posting a message for Martin Luther King day. The tweet included a photo of King alongside a comment which suggested that King was pro-Israel, with the IDF adding “Happy MLK.”
The issue of King’s stance on Israel is a hotly debated topic, with both sides claiming the legendary civil rights activist's support. Memes which included alleged quotes by King—such as the one the IDF shared—have been called out as fake by some, while others assert their accuracy.
In truth, it appears King carefully considered his comments on the topic in order to remain neutral. According to a Q&A in 1968, he had opinions on both sides of the conflict, but focused primarily on peace.
“I think it is necessary to say that what is basic and what is needed in the Middle East is peace. Peace for Israel is one thing. Peace for the Arab side of that world is another thing,” he said.
“Peace for Israel means security, and we must stand with all of our might to protect its right to exist, its territorial integrity. I see Israel, and never mind saying it, as one of the great outposts of democracy in the world, and a marvelous example of what can be done.”
The IDF tweet appears to include a quote from that Q&A.
On this #MartinLutherKingDay, we salute the power of justice to triumph over evil. Happy MLK! pic.twitter.com/UEnORx1Hjc
— IDF (@IDFSpokesperson) January 18, 2016
Here are some of the reactions.
@IDFSpokesperson As soon as Israel and Palestine are free of #ZionoFascism you will be worthy of quoting #MLK - not before.
— Cage Rattlin' (@cagerattlin) January 18, 2016.@IDFSpokesperson You do NO SUCH THING—for were the power of #justice to triumph over #evil, #Israel and #Talmudic #Judaism would disappear.
— Sean M. Madden (@SeanMMadden) January 18, 2016@ThisIsGaZa @IDFSpokesperson MLK must be turning in his grave that Israel uses his name to justify atrocities committed against Palestinians
— Madam (@madam2swords) January 18, 2016I somehow doubt that if Martin Luther King jr were alive today he'd be sing the praises of Israel & @IDFSpokesperson https://t.co/ZFNQupwmlo
— Gary Spedding (@GarySpedding) January 18, 2016Weird. Don't recall MLK saying he supported segregated buses @IDFSpokesperson https://t.co/98pryRDV6b
— Michael Curry (@mcurryfelidae07) January 18, 2016
