Israel Accuses Europe of 'Antisemitic Incitement' Following Washington D.C. Shooting

 

Israel Accuses Europe of 'Antisemitic Incitement' Following Washington D.C. Shooting Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar has accused unspecified European officials of "toxic antisemitic incitement" that he says created a hostile environment contributing to the fatal shooting of two Israeli embassy staffers in Washington, D.C. The attack occurred outside a Jewish museum on Wednesday, and the suspect, who was chanting pro-Palestinian slogans, is in custody. Saar did not specify which countries or officials he was referencing but linked the violence to "toxic antisemitic incitement against Israel and Jews worldwide" since Hamas’s attack on Israel in October 2023. He argued that there is a "direct line" connecting antisemitic rhetoric and anti-Israel incitement by leaders and organizations, especially across Europe. This statement follows growing criticism of Israel from European nations, including France and Britain, which have issued warnings of possible "concrete action" against Israel amid its ongoing military campaign in Gaza. The campaign has resulted in over 53,000 Palestinian deaths and widespread destruction.

Since Hamas’s attack, Israel’s actions and the broader regional conflict have sparked protests globally, with some governments and international bodies condemning or questioning Israel’s conduct in Gaza. In particular, the International Court of Justice ordered Israel to prevent acts of alleged genocide, further fueling tensions. Saar emphasized that rhetoric accusing Israel of genocide and crimes against humanity could incite violence, and he condemned what he described as "libels" used to justify attacks on Jews and Israelis worldwide.

See also: Two Israeli Embassy Staffers Shot Dead in Central Washington, Suspect in Custody