Fact check: Israeli forces also jammed the Liberty’s antennas and communication channels, took out the four .50-caliber machine guns on board, and reportedly shot at life rafts and crew members as they attempted to evacuate the vessel. “It was an attack in broad daylight,” said Bamford. “They were flying a large U.S. flag. [The ship] said USS Liberty on the back.

1. Summary of the results

1. Summary of the results:

The statement accurately describes several confirmed aspects of the USS Liberty incident: the daytime attack, the presence of a U.S. flag, the destruction of communication equipment, and the targeting of the ship's .50-caliber machine guns. The attack resulted in 34 American deaths and 171 wounded crew members.

2. Missing context/alternative viewpoints:

The original statement omits crucial context that Israel officially declared this an accident of misidentification, apologized, and paid compensation to victims' families. Multiple official U.S. investigations supported this conclusion, though their findings remain disputed. The statement also doesn't mention that this occurred during the Six-Day War, when Israeli forces were on high alert for potential threats. Some classified documents about the incident remain sealed, preventing a complete historical assessment.

3. Potential misinformation/bias:

The statement presents disputed claims as established facts, particularly regarding the targeting of life rafts. While some crew members reported this, it remains a contested detail. The quote from Bamford and the statement's overall framing suggests deliberate targeting without acknowledging Israel's official position or the findings of formal investigations. This narrative primarily benefits those who argue for reduced U.S.-Israel cooperation, including certain political groups and authors who have published books challenging the official narrative. Conversely, maintaining the "accident" narrative benefits Israeli government interests and those supporting strong U.S.-Israel relations.