A viral social media claim suggested Representative Thomas Massie stated that Israel deployed rockets, cannons, and napalm during the 1967 attack on the USS Liberty.
The claim, circulating on platforms like X and Facebook, alleges that Massie confirmed the use of napalm in the incident. According to the rumor, Massie described the attack in detail, including the strafing of the USS Liberty by French Mirage jets with rockets and 30-millimeter cannons, and the dropping of napalm on the ship’s bridge, suggesting an intent to eliminate all onboard.
A review of the facts indicates that Representative Massie did indeed discuss the attack on the USS Liberty on June 6, coinciding with its 59th anniversary. However, the notion that he “confirmed” the use of napalm is misleading. Israel’s use of napalm during the attack has been a matter of public record for decades, with news reports from the 1980s and official US and Israeli documentation acknowledging its use. Therefore, while the core of the claim is historically accurate, the implication that Massie revealed new information is incorrect.
The attack on the USS Liberty, occurring during the 1967 Six-Day War, resulted in the deaths of 34 American personnel and injured 171 out of the 293 onboard. While the US and Israel officially classified the incident as an accident, survivors and many notable US officials have maintained it was a deliberate act. Israel offered an apology and provided financial compensation to the victims and for damages to the ship.
Representative Massie, alongside survivors of the attack, continues to advocate for a comprehensive investigation and greater accountability.
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