You probably didn’t hear this story yet. That’s why it may sound unbelievable. But it’s true. On June 8th, 1967, Israeli war planes without markings attacked USS “Liberty” with the intention to destroy ship and leave no survivors… What has gone so wrong and why is this story buried so deep that the truth begins to emerge only after 50 years of silence?
The attack on an allied non-combat ship lasted for 74 minutes. Israel claims the USS Liberty was mistaken for the out-of-service Egyptian horse carrier El Quseir, but there is a simple question: Why would be necessary to use unmarked aircrafts on Egyptian ship? Except that, during the attack pilots of Mirage jets asked for confirmation, because they could clearly see US flag on the ship, and couldn’t believe an order to attack it. The pilot's protests also were heard by radio monitors in the U.S. Embassy in Lebanon. Then-U.S. Ambassador to Lebanon Dwight Porter has confirmed this.
Aside of aircraft which were armed with cannons, rockets and napalm bombs, in the attack were engaged torpedo boats and submarines. At least four torpedoes were fired at the USS “Liberty”, but thanks to the Captain’s skill, only one hit the hull. The combined air and sea attack killed 34 crew members (naval officers, seamen, two marines, and one civilian), wounded 171 crew members out of 294 men onboard.
In this episode of CrossTalk you can hear the unheard story of USS “Liberty” from Ken O’Keefe, Daniel McAdams, and Phillip F. Nelson…
Kenneth Nichols O'Keefe (born July 21, 1969) is an American-Irish-Palestinian citizen and activist and former United States Marine and Gulf War veteran. In 2001 he set fire to his United States passport. Subsequently, he led the human shield action to Iraq and was a passenger on the MV Mavi Marmara during the Gaza flotilla raid. He participated during clashes on the ship including the disarmament of two Israeli commandos.
Daniel McAdams is Executive Director of the Ron Paul Institute for Peace and Prosperity. He served as foreign affairs advisor to US Congressman Ron Paul (R-Texas) from 2001 until Dr. Paul’s retirement at the end of 2012. From 1993-1999 he worked as a journalist based in Budapest, Hungary.
Phillip F. Nelson is the co-author of a book “Remember the Liberty!” (TrineDay Publishers, 2017) together with Ernest A. Gallo, Ronald G. Kukal and Phillip F. Tourney (survivors of the attack on the USS Liberty, and Foreword by ex-CIA analyst Ray McGovern.
“If it was an accident, it was the best planned accident I've ever heard of”
— USS Liberty survivor
Witness testimony: It Could Not Have Been a Mistake
