Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has strongly denounced the fatal shooting of two Israeli diplomats—Yaron Lischinsky and Sarah Milgrim—outside the Capital Jewish Museum in Washington, D.C., calling the act a “cold-blooded” terrorist attack driven by antisemitic hatred.
In a video statement posted on X, Netanyahu said, “A brutal terrorist shot in cold blood a young beautiful couple… Yaron had just bought an engagement ring for Sarah. He was planning to give it to her in Jerusalem next week. That tragically did not happen… The terrorist who cruelly gunned them down did so for one reason and one reason alone—he wanted to kill Jews.”
The incident, which took place at approximately 9:15 p.m. near an FBI office on F Street, is being investigated by authorities as an antisemitic hate crime. Both victims were staff members at the Israeli Embassy and were shot as they exited an event at the museum. The Israeli ambassador was not present at the scene.
The attack has drawn widespread condemnation in both Israel and the United States.
U.S. Vice President JD Vance posted on X, “Antisemitic violence has no place in the United States. We’re praying for their families and all our friends at the Israeli Embassy.”
Former U.S. President Joe Biden also expressed grief, stating, “Jill and I are horrified and saddened… Antisemitic violence and hate have no place in our communities.”
Israel’s Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar linked the attack to rising global antisemitic rhetoric since the October 7 Hamas attacks, calling it a direct consequence of such incitement.
“Terrorism haunts us everywhere, but we will not surrender to it.”
Flags at Israeli missions worldwide have been lowered to half-mast in mourning. Sa’ar also announced a high-level Conference Against Antisemitism to be held in Jerusalem next week under the Israeli presidency of the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA), with participation from ministers, diplomats, and Jewish community leaders from around the world.
During his address, Netanyahu also rebutted claims of inadequate humanitarian aid in Gaza.
“Since October 7, Israel has sent 92,000 aid trucks into Gaza, totaling 1.8 million tons of aid—more than enough to feed everyone in Gaza. Hamas stole a huge chunk and sold the rest at exorbitant prices.”
On the issue of hostages held by Hamas, Netanyahu reiterated his commitment to their release.
“I’m ready for a temporary ceasefire to get more out, but we demand that all our hostages be released immediately—and so should every civilized country.”
Netanyahu concluded by thanking former President Donald Trump and the American people for their “forthright stand with Israel,” stating, “Together we stand. Together we’ll triumph and will see the victory of civilization over barbarism.”
The tragic loss of Lischinsky and Milgrim has underscored growing concerns about rising antisemitism globally and the dangers faced by Israeli diplomats abroad.
