Harvard University Dining Service claims that it mistakenly factored in political differences when it boycotted the Israeli company SodaStream according to an article in the Harvard Crimson.

In the face of criticism over a spring decision to suspend purchases from an Israeli soda water company with a presence in the West Bank, a Harvard University Dining Services spokesperson wrote in a statement Thursday that HUDS  “mistakenly factored political concerns” into the controversial decision.

“As the President and Provost have made clear, our procurement decisions should not be driven by community members’ views on matters of political controversy,” HUDS spokesperson Crista Martin wrote in an email.

Last spring, HUDSsuspended its purchase of water machines from soda water company SodaStream, whose primary factory is currently located in the West Bank, following complaints raised by members of the Harvard College Palestine Solidarity Committee and the Harvard Islamic Society that the appliances could offend Palestinian students.

HUDS' decision to boycott SodaStream drew widespread condemnation from pro-human rights groups and enjoyed support from radical anti-Israel groups such as Jewish Voice for Peace. Harvard University president Drew G. Faust vowed to investigate the boycott earlier in the day on Thursday.