Nikki Haley sparks outrage with ‘finish them’ message over Israeli bomb

Former US presidential candidate Nikki Haley sparked outrage by writing “finish them off” on an artillery shell during a Memorial Day visit to the Israeli army near the border with Lebanon.

Photos of the former South Carolina governor writing about the bomb were shared by Israeli parliamentarian and former United Nations envoy Danny Danon, who accompanied the American politician.

Ms. Haley’s message also included the words “America loves Israel.”

The politician’s explicit show of support for Israel came at a time of international outcry over his offensive in the southern city of Rafah, where hundreds of thousands of Palestinians fleeing Israeli bombing of Gaza have found refuge .

An Israeli airstrike on Sunday killed at least 45 people, mostly women and children, sheltering in a tent camp in the city.

Israel’s war in Gaza has killed more than 36,000 Palestinians, nearly half of them children, reduced much of the territory to rubble and left more than 80 percent of its 2.2 million residents homeless and hungry. .

The Israeli invasion follows a Hamas attack on southern Israel that killed around 1,200 soldiers and civilians.

Ms Haley made no apologies when she spoke to reporters after her outburst and criticized US President Joe Biden for temporarily withholding Israel’s weapons to deter an attack on Rafah.

She also attacked the International Criminal Court, which calls for the arrest of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, as well as the International Court of Justice, which is examining accusations of genocide against Israel.

“What America needs to understand is that if Israel is fighting its enemies, how can we not help them? » said Ms. Haley. “The surest way not to help Israel is to hold back weapons. The best way to not help Israel is to praise the ICC, the ICJ or any of those who condemn Israel instead of condemning what is happening. »

“America must do whatever Israel needs and stop telling it how to fight this war. Either you’re a friend or you’re not.

Ms Haley’s stunt and subsequent comments sparked angry reactions on social media.

“Republican Nikki Haley signs bombs that kill Palestinian babies. This is what our American politicians consider normal. Zionism is the greatest evil on our planet. If you side with Israel, you are a terrorist,” said one X user.

“While Americans watch Israel burn Gaza alive and behead Palestinian children, Nikki Haley writes love notes about the bombs falling on civilians. Let the world bear witness to your moral depravity,” said civil rights activist Dr. Omar Suleiman.

Ms. Haley, who abandoned her bid for the Republican presidential nomination in March, last week praised Donald Trump and said she would vote for the presidential candidate, even though she had previously called him of “dangerous”.

From Israel, Ms. Haley visited settlements in the Palestinian West Bank, Israeli peace activist Alon-Lee Green said. The settlements are not recognized by international law.

“Dear Americans, Nikki Haley visited us today. She visited West Bank settlements and then signed a bombshell “let’s finish them.” Simply disgusting,” Mr. Green posted.

“Can you take it back please?” We already have a Ben-Gvir and we don’t need your dirty politicians who promote death either. Thank you!” he added, referring to Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir.