Washington Embassy Attack Sparks Israeli Political Firestorm Over Gaza War and Antisemitism Claims

Watan-Israeli discussions around the deadly shooting outside the Israeli embassy in Washington, which resulted in the deaths of two embassy employees, quickly escalated into a fierce political dispute on Thursday. The debate turned into a storm of blame—some directed anger at the Israeli government and its genocidal war on Gaza, while others targeted those criticizing the war and the killing of children.

Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar seized the moment to attack humanitarian organizations and European leaders, accusing them of fueling antisemitism with their stance on the Gaza war.

Sa’ar said the Washington attack was a direct result of “toxic antisemitic incitement against Israel and Jews worldwide” since the war began on October 7, 2023. He stated that such incitement “comes also from leaders and officials in several countries and international bodies, particularly in Europe,” adding that “baseless accusations must stop” and expressing deep concern over future incidents.

Other ministers and members of the ruling coalition targeted Democratic Party leader Yair Golan, blaming him for the attack after his controversial statement earlier this week, where he said that “Israel kills children in Gaza as a hobby.” Opposition members defended Golan, including Labor Party leader Efrat Rayten, who rejected the accusations but distanced herself from his exact wording. She argued that the real harm to Israel is being done by the current government.

During a heated interview with Kan Reshet Bet radio, the debate intensified. Host Akiva Novick refused to accept accusations that the Israeli army kills children, accusing Golan and his party of defaming the IDF. Co-host Rina Matzliah admitted the army kills children in Gaza, “but not as a hobby,” and said Golan’s remarks damaged Israel’s political center-left.

Israeli Heritage Minister Amichai Eliyahu accused Golan of “blood libel,” claiming that “his words echo among Nazis and Israel-haters around the world. The deadly attack in Washington is the price we pay, and history tells us more will follow.” He added: “Yair, the blood of embassy staff is on your hands and your friends’ hands.”

Diaspora and Antisemitism Minister Amichai Chikli echoed the accusations, stating: “This attack did not happen in a vacuum. It is the direct result of blatant antisemitism and violent incitement against the State of Israel and the Jewish people.” He blamed domestic and global critics who equate Israel with Nazis and claim its military enjoys killing children.

Far-right Minister Itamar Ben Gvir also accused Golan, saying: “The blood of the victims is on his hands. Antisemites around the world draw support from corrupt Israeli politicians who accuse our soldiers of killing children for fun.” Minister of Culture and Sports Miki Zohar joined in, saying that when politicians falsely accuse Israel of genocide and war crimes, “antisemitism will inevitably rise, and terrorists will be emboldened.”

Golan responded by accusing Netanyahu’s government—likening it to the far-right Kahanist movement—of fueling antisemitism and hatred of Israel. He said:

“This Kahanist government, led by Netanyahu, is what’s feeding global antisemitism and creating unprecedented diplomatic isolation. It puts every Jew on Earth at risk. We will replace them and restore safety to all Jews, in Israel and around the world.”

He also offered condolences to the families of the victims and expressed solidarity with all Israeli diplomatic staff.

Israeli President Isaac Herzog condemned the mutual accusations and called for restraint. “Stop these dirty internal battles,” he told officials. “We must work together against hatred and antisemitism, not fight among ourselves.”

Golan’s original comments, made Tuesday on Kan Reshet Bet, warned that Israel was on the path to becoming a pariah state like apartheid-era South Africa if it continued acting irrationally.

“A rational country doesn’t wage war on civilians, doesn’t kill children as a hobby, and doesn’t pursue forced population transfers,” he said.
“It’s unthinkable that the Jewish people—long a symbol of moral values—are now committing acts that defy all logic.”

His remarks drew angry reactions across Israel. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu condemned what he called “Golan’s wild incitement.”