Walmart Israeli Soldier Costume Sparks Outrage Over Social Media

Walmart came under fire for selling an Israeli soldier Halloween costume designed for children.

The controversial costume, which has since been removed from the store's website, was on sale for $27.44 and included a shirt, belt, hat and pants.

"When Halloween rolls around, make this item a part of your child's complete ensemble," a description of the size medium outfit on the site said. The child model can be seen to the left dressed in full costume, holding a toy Uzi submachine gun (which was sold separately to complete the ensemble). The uniform also features the Hebrew word Tzahal - an acronym for the the Army of Defense for Israel.

Many took to Twitter to express their outrage over the costume, saying it was in poor taste due to the recent escalation in violence between Israeli troops and Palestinians, according to USA Today.

"Your little one can now go to his friend's house, and take over their bedroom, and all of their toys and claim that God has given him/her the right to take it," another person wrote on the Walmart website.

Many also criticized the mega-retailer for selling a costume nose they call a "Sheikh Fagin Nose," which has also been removed, according to the New York Daily News.

Walmart is no stranger to displaying offensive material that depicts subject matter from the Middle East. Walmart was forced to apologize in June after it baked a cake featuring the ISIS flag. While in 2013, the retailer sold an Osama bin Laden-themed Halloween costume, described as "Turban Beard Adult Halloween Instant Costume."

Tags

Walmart, Halloween, Social media