US Representative Massie revives debate over 1967 Israeli attack on USS Liberty

The long-unexamined Israeli attack on the USS Liberty in 1967, which resulted in the deaths of 34 U.S. servicemen, has resurfaced in American political discourse. U.S. Representative Thomas Massie recently brought the incident to the floor of the House of Representatives, asserting that the assault was a deliberate and planned act by Israel.

Massie's remarks echo the persistent claims of survivors, including Richard Brooks, the Liberty's chief engineer. Brooks has stated that the attack was intentional, emphasizing that the attackers knew the ship's identity and aimed to sink it. This directly contradicts Israel's long-standing explanation of the incident as a case of 'mistaken identity.'

The renewed attention to the USS Liberty attack highlights a persistent tension regarding the U.S.-Israel relationship and the scrutiny of past events. Despite the survivors' consistent testimonies and Massie's recent assertions, the issue has historically been met with dismissal, with critics labeling such discussions as 'conspiracy theories' and attempts to foster anti-Israel sentiment.

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it was a deliberate attack. They knew who we were. They wanted to sink us