Amnesty International Criticizes Nikki Haley for Controversial Message on Israeli Artillery Shell
Former U.S. ambassador to the United Nations, Nikki Haley, is facing criticism from human rights groups, including Amnesty International, after she wrote “Finish Them!” on an Israeli artillery shell during a recent visit to Israel amid the ongoing assault on Gaza.
The controversial message was captured in a photo shared on social media by Israeli politician Danny Danon, who accompanied Haley during her visit to Israel’s border with Lebanon. The image showed Haley crouched in front of pallets of shells, writing with a marker on one, with a signed message that read, “Finish them — America Israel, Always.”
Haley’s visit to Israel came as the Israeli military and the Lebanese militant group Hezbollah have been engaged in cross-border hostilities since the aftermath of the Hamas-led militant attacks on Oct. 7. The ongoing conflict has resulted in tens of thousands of deaths in the past eight months.
During her visit, Haley emphasized the need to focus on the situation in Lebanon, where Israel is facing daily attacks from Hezbollah. She called for pressure to be put on Lebanon and warned that there should be consequences if Hezbollah continues to harm anyone.
The international community has been critical of Israel’s military actions in Gaza, with a recent Israeli airstrike killing at least 45 people in a tent camp in Rafah. The World Court ordered Israel to halt its military assault on Rafah, following accusations of genocide.
Haley’s controversial message on the artillery shell has sparked outrage among human rights groups, with Amnesty International condemning the stunt as inappropriate for a conflict zone. Other critics, including former Human Rights Watch executive director Kenneth Roth, have accused Haley of supporting Israeli war crimes.
Despite the backlash, Haley remains a staunch supporter of Israel and has defended the country’s actions in Gaza, calling for the elimination of Hamas. The conflict in Gaza has resulted in thousands of civilian casualties and displaced populations, with ongoing humanitarian concerns in the region.
As the situation in the Middle East continues to escalate, Haley’s actions and statements have reignited debates over U.S. support for Israel and the need for a peaceful resolution to the conflict.