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"I'm sorry for the mistake. In war mistakes happen," Spector said. "But it wasn't my mistake."
He added he remained baffled that the conspiracy theories live on that Israel deliberately attacked the US intelligence ship. He suggested it might be due to anti-Semitism, or anti-Israeli sentiments. He has never in the past 37 years ever met with any of the Liberty survivors, but had no qualms about doing so now.
"These people never, ever spoke to me. Perhaps they are anti-Semites? Or these guys feel hurt and are looking for guilty parties, maybe to get compensation, or money? I am not afraid to meet them. Anyone who wants to meet with me is welcome. I don't have any claims against them. I don't want any compensation from them or anything. If they want they can look me up. And they best not deal with lies and deception since it won't help. It's best they tell the truth."
"They must understand that a mistake was made here," Spector said. "The fool is one who wanders about in the dark in dangerous places, so they should not come with any complaints."
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I am a friend to Israel - but these remarks are hateful. This man killed MANY Americans, and he has no apologies, only "anti-semitism" smears against the survivors of the Liberty. Outrageous statements fuel outrageous theories; Israel would do well to tell Spector to shut his mouth.
Can you imagine the outcry if Americans bombed an Israeli ship, killed 34 soldiers, wounded 171, then spoke this way? It is wrong to speak this way, no matter how right Israel may be in this world - for they have had no finer friend than America. It makes me sad to hear this.
"I am a friend to Israel - but these remarks are hateful. This man killed MANY Americans, and he has no apologies, only "anti-semitism" smears against the survivors of the Liberty."
Gosh, ALMOST as bad as accusing people of deliberate murder who actually made a mistake, huh?
I agree with you 100%.
While this guys comments are insensitive, he is a private citizen and his tone is not that of the government of Israel.
Secondly, like mentioned earlier, this insensitivity PALES in comparrision to 4 decades of smearing an ENTIRE NATION with the INTENTIONAL murder of numerous Americans.
Accidents happen in war, even to the most advanced, trained, and well-meaning armies. Americans know this better then anyone.
Actually the USS Vicinnes shot down an Iranian airliner and we've pretty much forgotten 'bout it.
But I doubt the officer commanding the Vicinnes at that time is ever going to make flag rank, unlike Gen. Spector.
He said "I'm sorry for the mistake." in the very paragraph you quoted! Hello!