Benjamin Netanyahu has blamed Sir Keir Starmer, Emmanuel Macron and Mark Carney for fuelling antisemitism after two Israeli embassy staff had been shot lifeless in Washington DC.
Mr Netanyahu stated the leaders of the UK, France and Canada are “on the wrong side of humanity and (…) history” after they threatened “concrete action” towards Israel this week if it continues its “egregious” army operations in Gaza.
He linked the criticism of Israel’s renewed army offensive within the enclave to the capturing exterior the Capital Jewish Museum in Washington DC final night time.
The shooter, named as 31-year-old Elias Rodriguez from Chicago, Illinois, instructed a witness that he “did this for Gaza” earlier than shouting “free, free Palestine” as he was being detained.
The 2 victims, Yaron Lischinsky and Sarah Lynn Milgrim, labored on the Israeli embassy and had attended an occasion for younger Jewish professionals on the museum earlier than they had been shot lifeless.
Israel’s overseas minister Gideon Sa’ar known as the capturing a “direct result of antisemitic enticement” that’s “absolutely toxic and has been used across the world” for the reason that 7 October 2023 assaults by Hamas.
Sarah Milgrim, Yaron Lischinsky and Israeli President Isaac Herzog (proper). Pic: Sarah Milgrim/Linkedin
Sarah Milgrim and Yaron Lischinsky had attended an occasion on the museum earlier than they had been killed. Pic: @yaron_li/X/Linkedin/Sarah Milgrim
Mr Sa’ar stated there’s a “direct line” between these talking towards Israel’s actions in Gaza, which he calls “blood libels”, and the killings in Washington DC.
“This incitement is also done by leaders and officials of many countries and international organisations, especially from Europe,” he stated.
Mr Netanyahu echoed these statements, describing the shootings because the “terrible price of antisemitism” and “rampant incitement against the State of Israel”.
“Blood libels against the Jewish state cost blood,” he stated in his assertion.
Netanyahu launched an assault on European leaders in his assertion following the capturing
Amichai Chikli, Israel’s diaspora minister, additionally accused the leaders of the UK, France and Canada of “emboldening the forces of terror”.
In a put up on X, he stated those that give “backing to this hatred – whether through appeasement, double standards, or silence,” have to be held to account.
Mr Chikli added: “French President Emmanuel Macron, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, and Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney have all, in several methods, emboldened the forces of terror by means of their failure to attract ethical purple traces.
“This cowardice has a price – and that price is paid in Jewish blood.”
Israeli diplomats have since distanced themselves from the feedback by Mr Chikli.
A person with an Israeli flag kneels on the scene of the capturing. Pic: Reuters
A French overseas ministry spokesperson has since rejected the declare that European nations bear blame for the assault as “completely outrageous and completely unjustified”.
“France has condemned, France condemns and France will continue to condemn, always and unequivocally, any act of antisemitism,” the spokesman instructed AFP.
Learn extra concerning the capturing:
Rodriguez accused Israel of ‘atrocities’ in Gaza
Trump crew will fear about shooter being glorified
In response to the capturing, Sir Keir stated he “thoroughly condemns” the incident and that “antisemitism is an evil we must stamp out wherever it appears”.
Mr Macron additionally posted concerning the “antisemitic attack”, providing his condolences to the households and family members of the victims.
