"Killing of Israeli Embassy Staff in Washington D.C. Is a Frenzied Provocation Against Israel" – Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu

"Killing of Israeli Embassy Staff in Washington D.C. Is a Frenzied Provocation Against Israel" – Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu
Washington, May 22, 2025

Two staff members of the Israeli embassy in Washington D.C., the capital of the United States, were shot dead. The attack occurred on Wednesday night as they were leaving an event at a Jewish museum. Police reported that after the suspect was arrested, he shouted, "Free, Free Palestine."

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu condemned the incident in a statement, calling it a “horrific and antisemitic act of terror,” and said,

“I am shocked by this heinous murder. This is the result of reckless incitement against Israel.”

Netanyahu added,

“We are paying a terrible price for antisemitism and the rising anti-Israel sentiment. We must continue fighting this frenzied hatred to the very end.”

He has ordered heightened security measures at all Israeli diplomatic missions worldwide.

Metropolitan Police Chief Pamela Smith stated that the shooting occurred when a group of four people was leaving the Capital Jewish Museum on Wednesday evening. A gunman opened fire on them, killing one male and one female employee of the embassy.

The incident has once again raised concerns about the global impact of the ongoing Israel-Palestine conflict, particularly in the context of rising tensions and anti-Israel sentiment on social media. Many observers see the attack as a violent manifestation of extremist ideology.

The identity and motive of the attacker are still under investigation. U.S. police have said they are treating the incident as a possible hate crime.