TEL AVIV, Israel: Former Republican presidential candidate Nikki Haley visited Israel over Memorial Day weekend and signed her name on Israeli artillery shells to show support for the country’s war with Gaza, where an estimated 36,000 Palestinians have been killed.
Accompanied by Danny Danon, a member of Israel’s parliament, Haley traveled to an Israel Defense Forces post and interacted with soldiers on the northern border with Lebanon.
Danon posted photos of Haley signing the artillery shells with messages such as “Finish them!” and “America loves Israel!”
Haley’s gesture was criticized as insensitive amid ongoing attacks on Rafah in Gaza, where airstrikes recently killed around 50 refugees sheltering in tents. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu called the airstrikes a “tragic mistake.” Haley, a former UN ambassador, also posted photos on social media showing the aftermath of Hamas’ October 7 attack on Israel, emphasizing that no country should accept such aggression.
During her visit, Haley met with survivors of the October 7 attack, which resulted in approximately 1,190 deaths and about 240 hostages taken. She urged the US to fully support Israel’s military efforts without dictating how to conduct the war, stating, “You’re either a friend or you’re not a friend.”
After ending her 2024 presidential campaign in March, Haley recently endorsed former President Donald Trump, despite previous critical remarks about his fitness for office.
