Amid Israel’s massacre in Rafah, where millions of Palestinians found refuge, with the global community condemning it with strong words while the US continues to support Israel, former U.S. presidential hopeful Nikki Haley was photographed writing "Finish Them" on an Israeli shell during a visit to sites near the northern border with Lebanon.
The image, posted on social media by Israeli parliament member and former UN ambassador Danny Danon, depicts Haley kneeling and using a purple marker to inscribe the message on the artillery.
Haley, known for her strong pro-Israel stance, was touring the area to express support amid ongoing tensions between Israel and Hezbollah. The act of writing such a provocative message on military ordnance has drawn mixed reactions from various quarters.
Supporters view Haley's gesture as a firm statement of solidarity with Israel, underscoring her commitment to Israel. Critics, however, argue that the action exacerbates hostilities and undermines efforts towards peace and diplomacy in the region.
This incident comes at a time of heightened conflict along the Israel-Lebanon border, where skirmishes between Israeli forces and Hezbollah fighters have been frequent. Haley's gesture is likely to influence her political standing and the broader discourse on U.S. foreign policy in the Middle East.
Haley, 52, ended her presidential bid in March following significant defeats in Republican primaries to Trump and recently declared her intention to vote for him in the upcoming election. Although Trump has excluded her from being his vice-presidential candidate, she remains a potential contender for the 2028 presidential race.
The White House stated that President Joe Biden does not plan to alter his Israel policy following a deadly strike on Rafah, while also acknowledging the suffering of Palestinian civilians.