Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has strongly condemned the killing of two young Israeli diplomats in Washington, D.C., labeling the act a “cold-blooded terrorist attack.” In a video message posted on X, Netanyahu mourned the deaths of Yaron Lischinsky and Sarah Milgrim, embassy staff members who were fatally shot outside the Capital Jewish Museum on May 22.
“Last night in Washington something horrific happened. A brutal terrorist shot in cold blood a young beautiful couple—Yaron Lischinsky and Sarah Milgrim. Yaron had just bought an engagement ring for Sarah… They were planning to start a new and happy life together. That tragically did not happen,” said Netanyahu. “They weren’t the victims of a random crime… the terrorist… wanted to kill Jews.”
The Israeli Prime Minister also addressed criticism over humanitarian aid delivery to Gaza. “Since October 7th, Israel has sent 92,000 aid trucks into Gaza… That includes 1.8 million tons of aid… Yet Hamas stole it… They used the money to recruit new terrorists.”
In a notable development, Netanyahu stated his willingness for a temporary ceasefire to secure the release of hostages held by Hamas:
“We’ll do every effort to secure them. I’m ready for a temporary ceasefire to get more out but we demand… that all of our hostages be released and released immediately.”
He also expressed gratitude to former U.S. President Donald Trump and the American people for their support, saying:
“Together we stand. Together we’ll triumph and will see the victory of civilization over barbarism.”
Global Reactions
US Vice President JD Vance was among the first to react to the tragedy, calling it a “heinous act of antisemitic violence.”
“My heart breaks for Sarah Milgrim and Yaron Lischinsky… Antisemitic violence has no place in the United States.”
Former President Joe Biden also issued a statement of condolence:
“Jill and I are horrified and saddened… Antisemitic violence and hate have no place in our communities.”
Israeli Foreign Minister Responds
Gideon Sa’ar, Israel’s Foreign Minister, denounced the incident as a direct result of rising global anti-Semitic rhetoric.
“Following the murder of our personnel, we will lower the flag to half-mast… Terrorism haunts us everywhere, but we will not surrender to it.”
Sa’ar also announced an international conference on antisemitism to be held in Jerusalem next week under the Israeli presidency of the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA). The event will convene foreign ministers, antisemitism envoys, and Jewish community leaders from around the world.
Incident Under Investigation
The attack occurred around 9:15 p.m. local time outside the museum, near an FBI office. The two victims were reportedly leaving an event when they were shot. Officials are treating the case as a hate-driven terrorist incident. The Israeli ambassador was not at the scene when the attack occurred.
This shocking incident has sparked outrage in both Israel and the United States, reigniting global concern over rising antisemitic violence and the safety of diplomatic personnel abroad.