Nikki Haley in Israel: Oct 7th Could “Absolutely Happen in America Too”

Nikki Haley in Israel: Oct 7^th Could “Absolutely Happen in America Too”

Edited by: Fern Sidman

On a visit on Monday to the ravaged communities in Israel following the October 7 massacre, former US ambassador to the United Nations Nikki Haley unequivocally pointed fingers at Iran, Russia, and China for their alleged roles in the catastrophic attack executed by Hamas, according to a report that appeared on Monday in the Times of Israel.  Speaking at the remains of the Sderot police station alongside Likud MK and former UN envoy Danny Danon, Haley’s statements sparked a flurry of debate and concern regarding the broader geopolitical entanglements and their implications.

Haley’s claims were direct and alarming: she contended that the attack was orchestrated by Iran, supported by Russian intelligence, and financed by Chinese money. Her assertion, “if we are arrogant enough,” such an attack “could absolutely happen in America too,” was a stark warning meant to shine a spotlight on the very real threat posed by these nations, as was reported by the TOI.  Haley argued that China’s ongoing financial support to Iran facilitated the latter’s role in training Hamas operatives, while Russian intelligence allegedly provided crucial information to aid the assault.

While Haley’s accusations are severe, it’s essential to recognize the current geopolitical stances and actions of the implicated countries. To date, there is no publicly available evidence linking Russia or China directly to the planning or execution of the October 7 attack. The information contained in the TOI report indicated that Russian President Vladimir Putin’s administration has indeed been vocally critical of Israel’s actions in Gaza and has hosted Hamas officials, calling for a ceasefire through a UN Security Council resolution that notably did not mention Hamas.

China, on the other hand, has shown a strategic inclination to foster stronger ties with Arab nations. Beijing’s announcement to host Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sissi and other Arab leaders to articulate a unified stance on the Palestinian issue further exemplifies China’s diplomatic maneuvers to assert its influence in the region, as was observed in the TOI report.

Iran’s support for terrorist groups, including Hamas, is well-documented. The Iranian regime has been a longstanding patron of various proxy groups throughout the Middle East, providing financial support, training, and weaponry, the TOI report said. Iran’s strategic objective has often been to destabilize rivals and extend its influence through asymmetric warfare. The link between Iran and Hamas fits within this broader pattern of Iranian foreign policy.

Danon confirmed Iranian involvement but was cautious about definitively linking Russia and China to the attack. “We have to look very carefully [at] who trained the Hamas terrorists. We have evidence about Iranian involvement,” he told the TOI. When pressed for credible information linking Moscow and Beijing to the attack, Danon noted, “No, we have to look at the rockets and missiles that they were using. Definitely, they came from Russia and China. You have to look deeply who brought it and who gave it to them.”

This trip to Israel which was organized by Danon, came at a time when Haley’s name is being floated as a possible vice-presidential candidate for Donald Trump, despite Trump’s public dismissal of the notion. Noted in the TOI report was that Haley’s visit to the war-torn regions of southern Israel served both to solidify her foreign policy credentials and to demonstrate her unwavering support for Israel—a key factor for many Republican voters.

Haley’s participation in the Republican primary, where she was a contender against Trump, has kept her in the political limelight. The report in the TOI added that visiting Israel, a country that holds substantial symbolic and strategic importance for many American politicians, is a common move for those looking to bolster their foreign policy experience and credentials.

Despite the conjecture, Haley has stated that Trump has explicitly communicated she will not be his running mate. Yet, the TOI also reported that Trump himself has indicated that he envisions a role for Haley within his team, reflecting the ambiguous but strategic nature of her political positioning.

MK Danny Danon, who served concurrently with Haley at the United Nations, organized her visit. He  has been active in bringing international attention to the southern regions of Israel that have suffered significantly since the October 7 massacre. The TOI report pointed out that Haley’s tour included stops at Kibbutz Nir Oz and the Nova festival site in Re’im, key locations impacted by the violence. These visits allowed her to engage directly with survivors and local residents, offering a platform to express solidarity and empathy while reinforcing her image as a staunch supporter of Israel.

Throughout her visit, Haley made several pointed remarks that reflect her political ethos and the broader ideological stance she aims to project. Emphasizing her support for Trump, Haley articulated a vision of American leadership characterized by unwavering support for allies and a firm stance against adversaries.

“I want to know that we’re going to have the backs of our allies and hold our enemies to account. I want to know that we’re going to protect freedom at all costs. We’re going to protect capitalism at all costs,” she stated in Sderot, according to the report in the TOI. Haley’s remarks displayed a commitment to a strong bilateral relationship between the United States and Israel, framed within a broader agenda of promoting freedom and capitalism.

Haley’s narrative positions her support for Trump as aligned with the ideals of a “strong America” and a “strong Israel,” the report added. This messaging is designed to resonate with Republican voters who prioritize national strength, security, and the protection of economic principles.

While in Israel, Haley also articulated strong criticisms of President Biden’s Middle East policies, despite her initial statement of restraint. The TOI report affirmed that Haley’s remarks were particularly focused on the current conflict in Gaza and its implications for US domestic security, calling attention to her broader political and strategic objectives.

Haley did not mince words when addressing President Biden’s approach to the Middle East. She argued that the administration’s reluctance to provide unequivocal military support to Israel could undermine the country’s security. “The sure way to not help Israel is to withhold weapons,” Haley asserted, according to the TOI report.  Her remarks emphasized that robust military aid is crucial for Israel’s defense against hostile entities.

Haley extended her critique by linking the conflict in Gaza to domestic US issues, particularly immigration and border security. She warned that the threats faced by Israel could easily extend to the United States if similar vulnerabilities are not addressed. “If you think this will only be in Israel, if we are arrogant enough, this could absolutely happen in America too and this is the moral of this story,” she stated, the TOI report said.

 “First of all, an American president should do everything in his power to make sure that that border is secure,” she said, as was noted in the TOI report.  Haley used the example of Hamas using bombs to breach the Gaza border fence to underscore her point, contrasting it with the US’s perceived leniency in border enforcement. “We’re not even requiring them to [use] bombs. We’re just saying: ‘Come on in. Go wherever you want,’” she argued.