Mia Khalifa caused widespread outrage when she accused the US and Israel of practicing fascism and terror in light of airstrikes against Lebanon. The airstrikes were conducted by Israel on densely populated regions of central Beirut, attacking civilians in business and residential areas and causing hundreds of casualties and more than 1,000 injuries. These airstrikes took place a few hours after a ceasefire was declared in the war between the United States, Israel, and Iran.
At least 254 persons lost their lives in these Wednesday attacks, according to reports from Lebanon’s Civil Defense department.
Khalifa’s Statement
On Instagram, Mia Khalifa posted: “This is nothing less than TERRORISM enacted by two countries whose war crimes go bar for bar. America and Israel are terrorist, fascist states with trials at The Hague waiting for both of them one day.”
The former adult film star turned sports commentator and social media personality has been an outspoken critic of Israeli policies and US foreign policy in the Middle East. Her latest comments, made in the wake of the deadliest Israeli strikes on Lebanon since the conflict began, have reignited debate about her controversial public persona.
Emotional Response
In a video statement, Mia Khalifa commented on this situation as one of the hardest moments she had ever seen on social media. “Today has been one of the hardest things to watch in a really long time on social media,” she continued. “160 airstrikes in 10 minutes on residential buildings, on schools, on hospitals, on civilian infrastructure, on cemeteries, with funeral processions in the midst of a ceasefire.”
Moreover, she explained that witnessing the events unfolding in Lebanon left her emotional and conflicted, as it was her homeland. “I don’t know how to reconcile my tax dollars doing this to my homeland,” she said. “What is happening? We are sending people to scope out living on the moon while we bomb each other. This is dystopian. This is insane.”
Lastly, Mia Khalifa extended her sentiments to civilians caught in this turmoil. “My thoughts are with everybody in Lebanon right now. My heart goes out to you.”
Context of the Strikes
The Israeli airstrikes on Wednesday came just hours after a US-Iran ceasefire was announced, brokered by Pakistan. While the United States and Israel have insisted that the truce does not apply to Israeli operations in Lebanon, Iran has warned that continued attacks on Hezbollah could jeopardize the entire agreement.
The strikes targeted densely populated areas of central Beirut, including residential buildings, schools, hospitals, and civilian infrastructure. Lebanon’s Civil Defense department reported at least 254 killed and over 1,000 injured.
Reactions
Khalifa’s comments have drawn both support and criticism. Supporters applaud her willingness to use her platform to speak out against civilian casualties and what she describes as war crimes. Critics argue that her characterization of the US and Israel as “terrorist, fascist states” is inflammatory and counterproductive.
The reference to “trials at The Hague” alludes to the International Criminal Court, which has jurisdiction over war crimes, crimes against humanity, and genocide. While the ICC has opened investigations into alleged crimes in the Palestinian territories, no charges have been brought against US or Israeli officials.
Analysis: A Controversial Voice
Mia Khalifa’s outspoken criticism of US and Israeli policies has made her a polarizing figure. Born in Lebanon and raised in the United States, she brings a unique perspective to discussions of Middle East politics — one that combines personal connection to the region with an understanding of American foreign policy.
Her reference to “tax dollars” funding the destruction of her homeland speaks to a frustration shared by many Arab-Americans and Muslim-Americans who oppose US military support for Israel. The image of Americans “sending people to scope out living on the moon while we bomb each other” captures a sense of absurdity and moral dissonance.
Whether one agrees with her characterization of the US and Israel as “terrorist, fascist states,” her emotional response to the images from Beirut is understandable. The strikes on residential areas, schools, and hospitals — coming just hours after a ceasefire was announced — have drawn international condemnation.
As the conflict continues, with the fragile US-Iran ceasefire already under strain, voices like Khalifa’s will continue to shape public opinion. Her platform, reaching millions of followers, amplifies perspectives that are often marginalized in mainstream media.
For the people of Lebanon, caught in the crossfire of a regional war not of their making, the sentiments expressed by Khalifa — “My heart goes out to you” — are a small comfort. But comfort is not justice. And as she noted, the question of accountability — perhaps at The Hague — remains.
