Benjamin Netanyahu has held Sir Keir Starmer, Emmanuel Macron, and Mark Carney accountable for inciting antisemitism following the fatal shooting of two Israeli embassy staffers in Washington, DC.
Mr. Netanyahu accused the leaders of the UK, France, and Canada of being “on the wrong side of humanity and (…) history” after they warned of potential “concrete action” against Israel this week due to its “egregious” military actions in Gaza.
He connected the backlash against Israel’s intensified military operations in the region to the shooting that took place outside the Capital Jewish Museum in Washington DC last night.
The shooter, 31-year-old Elias Rodriguez from Chicago, reportedly told a witness that he “did this for Gaza” before exclaiming “free, free Palestine” while being apprehended.
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The victims, Yaron Lischinsky and Sarah Lynn Milgrim, were employed at the Israeli embassy and had participated in an event for young Jewish professionals at the museum prior to their tragic deaths.
Israel’s Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar described the shooting as a “direct result of antisemitic incitement” that has been “absolutely toxic and leveraged globally” since the attacks by Hamas on October 7, 2023.
Sarah Milgrim, Yaron Lischinsky, and Israeli President Isaac Herzog (right). Pic: Sarah Milgrim/Linkedin
Sarah Milgrim and Yaron Lischinsky had attended an event at the museum before their tragic deaths. Pic: @yaron_li/X/Linkedin/Sarah Milgrim
Mr. Sa’ar asserted that there exists a “direct line” connecting public criticism of Israel’s actions in Gaza—what he refers to as “blood libels”—to the tragic events in Washington, DC.
“This incitement is perpetuated by leaders and officials from numerous countries and international organizations, particularly in Europe,” he stated.
Mr. Netanyahu reiterated these sentiments, characterizing the shootings as the “horrific cost of antisemitism” and “widespread incitement against the State of Israel.”
“Blood libels against the Jewish state result in bloodshed,” he remarked in his statement.
Netanyahu criticized European leaders in his statement following the shooting.
Amichai Chikli, Israel’s diaspora minister, also accused UK, France, and Canadian leaders of “empowering terrorist forces.”
In a post on X, he asserted that those who provide “support for this hatred—whether through appeasement, double standards, or silence—must be held accountable.”
Mr. Chikli further remarked: “French President Emmanuel Macron, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, and Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney have, in various ways, encouraged terrorist forces by failing to establish moral boundaries.”
“This cowardice comes with a cost—paid in Jewish blood.”
Since then, Israeli diplomats have distanced themselves from Mr. Chikli’s remarks.
A man with an Israeli flag kneels at the scene of the shooting. Pic: Reuters
A spokesperson for the French foreign ministry dismissed claims of European nations bearing responsibility for the attack as “completely outrageous and unjustified.”
“France has condemned, condemns, and will always unequivocally condemn any antisemitic act,” the spokesperson told AFP.
Read more about the shooting:
Rodriguez accused Israel of ‘atrocities’ in Gaza
Trump team will worry about shooter being glorified
In response to the incident, Sir Keir expressed his “thorough condemnation” and asserted that “antisemitism is an evil that we must eradicate wherever it emerges.”
Mr. Macron also commented on the “antisemitic attack,” extending his condolences to the victims’ families and loved ones.