CrossTalk: Remembering USS Liberty

CrossTalk round table that discusses Israel's attack on the USS Liberty, where 34 servicemen were killed. Highlights of the video:

USS Liberty attacked by Israel in the Mediterranean - one of the worst assaults carried out on US during peace time and by...no less...an ally!

Israeli aircraft surveilled the USS Liberty for several hours before the attack; attack took place over two hours; Israelis were so close, the US servicemen could see the Israelis in the cockpits. Napalm and rockets were also used by the Israelis during this attack. Thankfully, the Israelis were lousy shots; otherwise, the ship would've sunk.

War crime. Life rafts were shot out of the water by Israel. Israel tried to frame Egypt and wanted to kill everyone on the ship.

Russian ship in area may have stopped the sinking of USS Liberty.

Israel said the attack was "an honest mistake." Author Phillip F. Nelson contends it was planned for two years. Nelson also contends that Lyndon B. Johnson is the one who planned the attack so he could win re-election; Ken O'Keefe vehemently disagrees. A document revealed plans of the Six Day War was discussed before the war began.

"Conspiracy of silence" all these years. Survivors threatened with prison if they spoke of the attack.

Tapes show that Israeli pilots were questioning if they should attack, but they were ordered to.

What has US gotten out of its relationship with Israel?

Since Israel got away with its attack on USS Liberty, they know they can do anything.