It was a mistake in the fog of war. There were Egyptian military vessels in the area. Israel apologized and paid restitution to the families of the sailors who died. My brother who served in the Army Iraq told me that his convoy was fired on by one our jets and several of his soldiers under his command were killed. He was riding in the front of the convoy and screaming on the radio to call off the attack.
The Sailors on the Ship did not think it was a mistake. USS Liberty Veterans Association |
How do they know the mind and intention of the pilot? The fact that Israel paid restitution and apologized shows contrition!