I believe that the attack was intentional for reasons which remain obscure. I have read extensively non-classified material that I could get my hands on. It would be very interesting to see the USS Liberty’s log book for that day.
However, what bothers me most (and what makes me think that there was complicity at the highest levels) was the 6th Fleet actions (or lack there of). I understand (I have not seen the orders or msgs) that our carriers launched aircraft which were called back by orders from Washington. LBJ saying that he did not want to start a war over a stinking shipe). I also understand that six planes which were on the flight line in Italy armed with nuclear weapons, were rearmed and launched to support the USS Liberty, and they were also called by a direct order from Washington.
On a very practical level, ships while under way monitor several standard frequencies. For example, the would be a frequency which no on is supposed to transmit on except in emergencies when aid is required. The USS Liberty must have been transmitting on many frequencies during the extended attack.
Also don’t forget that the Isralis attacked with torpedo boats after the main attack had happened. They were ultimately unsuccessful in sinking the ship, but i believe the got one torpedo hit.
This continued attack, with planes returning, and subsequent torpedo boat attacks show that this was not just some hotshot pilot’s mistake, but a planned sustained operation. The israeli operation center had to know what was going on an the day progressed, long before the torpedo boats were sent out.
The motives for the actions are apparently unable to be determined at the present time for whatever reason.
Yes, you make the points. I acknowledge that this is the very best argument that you can make that the attack was deliberate — that the IDF sustained the attack.
The generally accepted version of events says that the Liberty fired first when the IDF PT boats approached. The Israelis claim that one of their pilots radioed the PT commander asking that the PT’s check the identity of the Liberty prior to attacking. Apparently he feared the ship might be Soviet. We only have the Israelis word for this.
The problem I have with the Israeli explanation — and where the evidence supports your case — is that it shouldn’t have been necessary to fire torpedoes at the Liberty if you now thought the vessel’s ID was in question. They could have suppressed the Liberty’s ‘50 cals & withdrawn.
The Israelis say that once the PT’s were fired upon, they concluded that the Liberty was actually a known Egyptian vessel that was false-flagging.
As I say, I go back & forth over it. I think the Israelis had a strong motive to sink the Liberty, or put it out of action.
I have to laugh when LBJ allegedly said that he “wasn’t going to start a war over a stinking boat”. That’s precisely what he did during the Tonkin Gulf Incident. Gotta give him credit for learning from his mistakes, I guess.