Nikki Haley Writes 'Finish Them' on Israeli Artillery Shell

Former U.S. presidential hopeful Nikki Haley was photographed signing an Israeli artillery shell with the words "Finish Them" during her visit to Israel, prompting a variety of reactions on social media. 

The Details: In addition to the phrase "Finish Them", the message also read, "America [loves] Israel. Always, Nikki Haley." The photograph was posted by Danny Danon, a member of the Israeli parliament and former Israeli ambassador to the United Nations, who accompanied Nikki Haley on her trip.

For Context: The incident came amid escalating tensions in the region, with repeated strikes between Israel and Hamas causing displacement and civilian deaths — including a blaze that killed dozens in a Palestinian tent camp on Monday. Haley, a former UN envoy under former President Donald Trump, abandoned her White House bid earlier in the year after significant defeats in Republican primary contests. 

How the Media Covered It: Media coverage was common, but often reflected disagreements on Israel’s military operations in Rafah, where the presence of densely-packed refugees led international observers to warn against Israeli incursions. Outlets sympathetic to the Palestinians often highlighted Haley’s critics — including one who called her a "sociopath" — and labeled the bomb message a "stunt," "callous," "sick," or even "genocidal." Outlets sympathetic to the Israeli military’s efforts — with the notable exception of Fox News (Right bias), which appeared not to cover the story online — cast Haley as either giving "some words of encouragement" or leaving a "fiery message" for Israel. This summary was developed with the help of AllSides' AI technology.