Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has expressed profound outrage and sorrow following the brutal killing of two Israeli diplomats in Washington D.C., an act he vehemently condemned as an antisemitic terrorist attack. In a strong statement, Netanyahu extended his gratitude to the United States for its unwavering support in the wake of this tragedy, emphasizing that the victims were “shot in cold blood.”
The incident, which occurred outside the Capital Jewish Museum, claimed the lives of Yaron Lischinsky and Sara Milgrim, two promising young individuals who were reportedly on the cusp of engagement. According to initial reports, the diplomats were leaving an event at the museum when they were targeted. The suspect, identified as Elias Rodriguez, was apprehended at the scene and reportedly shouted “Free, Free Palestine” while being taken into custody. Authorities are currently investigating the incident as a possible hate crime and act of terrorism.
In a video message shared widely, Prime Minister Netanyahu described the horrifying circumstances: “Last night in Washington something horrific happened. A brutal terrorist shot in cold blood a young beautiful couple – Yaron Lischinsky and Sara Milgrim. Yaron had just bought an engagement ring for Sarah. He was planning to give it to her in Jerusalem next week. They were planning to start a new and happy life together. Well, that tragically did not happen.”
He asserted that the attack was not a random act of violence, but rather a deliberate targeting of Jews. “Yaron and Sarah weren’t the victims of a random crime. The terrorist who cruelly gunned them down did so for one reason and one reason alone – he wanted to kill Jews.” Netanyahu drew a stark parallel between the assailant’s cry and the chants heard during the October 7th Hamas attacks on Israel, stating, “As he was taken away, he chanted, ‘Free Palestine!’ This is exactly the same chant we heard on October 7th.”
The Prime Minister also took the opportunity to address ongoing discussions surrounding aid to Gaza, refuting claims of insufficient humanitarian assistance. He stated that Israel has sent “92,000 aid trucks” carrying “1.8 million tons of aid,” which he claimed was “more than enough food to feed everyone in Gaza.” He further accused Hamas of stealing a significant portion of this aid and selling the remainder at inflated prices, using the profits to recruit new terrorists.
Netanyahu expressed deep appreciation for the stance taken by the American leadership. “I especially want to thank President Trump and the American people for their forthright stand with Israel and with the Jewish people. Together we stand. Together we’ll triumph and will see the victory of civilization over barbarism.”
The Israeli Foreign Minister, Gideon Sa’ar, also issued a statement, asserting that the attack was a “direct consequence of the virulent and toxic anti-semitic rhetoric against Israel and Jewish communities around the world that has been going on since October 7.” He announced that Israel would lower flags to half-mast at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and all Israeli missions worldwide, and reiterated that “terrorism haunts us everywhere, but we will not surrender to it.”
In response to the killings, security measures at Israeli diplomatic missions globally are expected to be significantly heightened. The tragic event has sent shockwaves through diplomatic circles and prompted widespread condemnation from international leaders, underscoring the ongoing concerns about antisemitism and security for Jewish communities worldwide.