Fact Check: Did Thomas Massie confirm Israel dropped napalm on USS Liberty?

WASHINGTON, DC: Amid growing tensions between Republicans and President Donald Trump, a rumor began circulating on social media platforms claiming that Rep Thomas Massie, R-Ky, confirmed that Israel used napalm in an attack on the USS Liberty, sparking speculation.

Let us analyze the rumor and fact-check its authenticity.

Claim: Thomas Massie confirmed Israel used napalm to attack USS Liberty

According to the viral claim, Massie confirmed that Israel used napalm in an attack on the USS Liberty, an American naval ship attacked in the Mediterranean Sea in 1967.

The rumor has been circulating on X and Facebook without providing information about the date of the alleged attack. According to the rumor, Massie said, “More planes came from Israel to surveil the ship. They thought they were in good shape, but what happened next surprised them all."

"French Mirage jets showed up, and for 25 minutes, strafed and attacked the USS Liberty. They shot rockets. They shot 30-millimeter cannons into the hull and into the ship."

"They even dropped napalm on the bridge of the ship. This was an effort to kill everybody on board. There was no intention of taking prisoners.”

Fact Check: The claim is mostly true

Massie did speak about Israel's attack on the USS Liberty during the 1967 Six-Day War on June 6 while commemorating its 59th anniversary.

However, saying he "confirmed" it is misleading because Israel's use of napalm during the attack has been publicly documented for decades. News reports from the 1980s, along with official US and Israeli records, have acknowledged the use of napalm.

Since the claim is based on a historical fact but incorrectly suggests that Massie revealed new information, it is rated as mostly true.

Thomas Massie renews calls for USS Liberty probe

The attack, which the US and Israel officially deemed an accident, killed 34 and wounded 171 of the 293 US personnel on board. However, survivors and many prominent US officials at the time have said they believe it was deliberate.

Israel apologized for the attack and paid $3.3 million to the US government for the families of those killed, $3.6 million a year later to those wounded, and, in 1980, $6 million for material damage to the ship.

However, Massie and survivors have continued to call for a full investigation and additional accountability.