The Navy “followed orders” to cover it up
By Ray McGovern, June 8, 2022
The murder of journalist Shereen Abu Akleh on May 11, 2022 (See:
https://www.cnn.com/2022/05/24/middleeast/shireen-abu-akleh-jenin-killing-investigation-cmd-intl/index.html ) is, sadly, not the first time Israeli forces have killed American citizens and gotten away with it.
The Israeli bulldozer that ran over — and then backed up over — 23 year-old Rachel Corrie to ensure her back was broken on March 16, 2003 is another sad example.
Today, we call to mind the most egregious example 55 years after June 8, 1967, when Israeli aircraft and torpedo boats attacked the USS Liberty in international waters, killing 34 and wounding more than 170 (total crew was 294). At the height of the attack, Seaman Terry Halbardier jerry-rigged an antenna so an SOS could be sent. The Israelis heard the SOS and broke off the attack.
The attack on the Liberty is not in dispute. Israel claimed it was a mistake. Intercepted Israeli communications and copious other evidence tell a different story. Below is an article I wrote to mark the 50th anniversary of the attack on the USS Liberty:
https://consortiumnews.com/2019/06/08/a-uss-libertys-heros-passing/