Nikki Haley Stirs Controversy with Provocative Photo in Israel
Former Republican presidential candidate Nikki Haley has sparked a wave of controversy by writing 'Finish them off' on an Israeli shell during a visit to northern Israel, near the Lebanese border. The incident was brought to public attention by Israeli MP and former UN ambassador Danny Danon, who posted the photo on his X account on Tuesday. The image shows Haley kneeling in front of the shell, marker in hand, with the words 'Finish them off' and 'America loves Israel' clearly visible.
Although Haley did not explicitly mention who 'them' referred to, Danon suggested that it was targeting Lebanese Hezbollah. In his post, Danon stated, 'Israel must take the initiative and change the situation,' referring to the almost daily exchanges of fire between Israeli forces and Hezbollah. He further added that residents of Tire and Sidon, two Lebanese cities, would evacuate their homes, while Israelis living near the border would be able to return home.
The publication of this photo comes at a highly sensitive time, as it follows an Israeli bombing on Sunday in Rafah, a displaced persons camp, resulting in 45 deaths. The attack has sparked a global wave of indignation, particularly in the United States, where criticism is mounting over President Joe Biden's policies. Despite the ongoing controversy, the White House has maintained its stance, stating that it does not foresee a 'major ground operation' against Rafah and thus there will be 'no change in US policy' of support for Israel.
Nikki Haley, who exited the race for the White House in March after losing to Donald Trump in the Republican primaries, has also made headlines by stating she would vote for Trump in November despite her earlier criticism. Trump recently dispelled rumors that Haley might be his running mate, further cementing her position in the current political landscape.
- Danon's indirect reference to Hezbollah indicates the broader geopolitical tensions in the region, which have seen inhabitants on both sides of the Israel-Lebanon border living in a state of heightened alert.
- The timing of the photo and its accompanying message are particularly inflammatory given the recent hostilities and tragic loss of life in Rafah, complicating the international dialogue around the conflict.
- The dynamics within the Republican Party in the United States also add an intriguing layer to this story. Haley's alignment with Trump demonstrates the complex and often contradictory nature of political alliances and endorsements.
