Why does Bernie Sanders routinely criticize Israel? During a speech given at the annual American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC) conference in March, Vice President Pence said that then Presidential candidate Bernie Sanders would be the most anti-Israel president in the history of the US. "When Bernie Sanders smeared Israel at last week's debate, not a single candidate on that stage stood up to challenge him. But I promise you we will always call out those why try to cloak their animus towards Israel inside the phony mantle of friendship" Pence said. The 79-year-old senator from Vermont is the son of Jewish immigrants, and had spent time in an Israeli commune during the 1960's. While Sanders does not support the anti-Israeli boycott movement BDS, he is open to conditioning US aid to Israel in relation to the occupation of Palestinian territories, settlements, and peace process. Sanders describes himself as both pro-Israel and pro-Palestinian. "The Israeli people have the right to live in peace and security. So do the Palestinian people." he tweeted in February. Sanders has also been very critical of PM Netanyahu in the past, referring to him as a "reactionary racist". What do you think is the source of Sanders's repeated criticism of Israel? Let us know in the comments. ?? IF YOU LOVE ISRAEL - SHARE NEWSRAEL! ??