Former presidential candidate and South Carolina governor Nikki Haley has recently drawn widespread disapproval for signing “Finish Them” on an Israeli artillery shell on a recent visit to Israel, amidst the growing assault on Gaza which has left tens of thousands dead and millions displaced over the past eight months.
Haley’s visit comes during Israel’s latest devastating three-week long military operation in Rafah, where many Palestinian civilians have taken refuge. At least 45 people were killed earlier this week by Israeli missiles that set fire to an encampment. This has drawn condemnation from global leaders, with the International Court of Justice (ICJ) ordering Israel to immediately stop it’s offensive on Rafah, which was held during an emergency ruling in South Africa’s case accusing Israel of genocide.
Haley visited Israel over Memorial Day weekend, speaking with Israeli prime minister Benjamen Netenyahu and meeting with Israeli soldiers. Haley also visited areas affected by the Hamas’s attacks on Oct. 7, which saw 1,200 Israelis killed and 250 taken hostage.The pictures of Haley signing the shells, and her message “Finish them – America HEART Israel, Always”, were shared to social media by Israeli politician and former United Nations ambassador Danny Dannon.
Following this, Haley quickly faced international criticism and backlash from multiple human rights organizations and activists.
“Conflict is no place for stunts. Conflict has rules. Civilians must be protected”, said Amnesty International on their X/Twitter account.
Former UN Ambassador Nikki Haley signed Israeli artillery shells with the message "Finish Them!" Conflict is no place for stunts. Conflict has rules. Civilians must be protected. pic.twitter.com/HtLShHWaKi
— Amnesty International USA (@amnestyusa) May 29, 2024
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Palestinian American imam, Islamic scholar, and civil rights activist Omar Suleiman said “While Americans watch Israel burn Gaza alive, and Palestinian children are beheaded, Nikki Haley writes love notes on bombs that drop on civilians.” in a post on his X account. “Let the world bear witness to your moral depravity…”.
“Dear Americans, Nikki Haley visited us today: She went to the West Bank settlements and then went to sign on a bomb “finish them”. Just disgusting.”, said Israeli peace activist Alon-Lee Green on X. “Can you please take her back? We already have one Ben Gvir & we don’t need your filthy death promoting politicians as well. Thanks!”.
“Nikki Haley shows who she is.”, said former Human Rights Watch executive director Kenneth Roth. “As Israeli bombardment has killed far more Palestinian civilians than combatants, she signs a bomb. Why not just sign, “I favor Israeli war crimes.””.
Haley has been a longtime supporter of Israel, saying “Israel must do whatever is necessary to protect her people from evil.”, on her X account on Wednesday. Haley has also berated President Joe Biden after he threatened to stop weapon shipments to Israel if Netanyahu ordered an offensive on Rafah, a move the Biden has yet to follow up on. Haley has also criticized the International Criminal Court (ICC) after arrest warrants were issued for Netanyahu, as well as the ICJ.
Haley ended her presidential campaign in March, and announced that she would be voting for Donald Trump last week. Despite Haley’s past criticisms, Trump said that Haley would likely have a role in his team should he be re-elected.
According to the Gaza health ministry, the ongoing assault on Gaza has killed 36,000 people, an estimated 15,000 of which are children. This has also caused widespread hunger, and the near displacement of Gaza’s population of 2,3 million.
Israel’s actions in Gaza has come under increasing international condemnation, prompting pressure for a permanent ceasefire, and has seen widespread protests across campuses in the United States.
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