Israeli embassies worldwide boost security following fatal DC shooting

Security will be boosted at Israeli embassies worldwide following the fatal shooting of two Israeli embassy staff members outside the Capital Jewish Museum in Washington, D.C. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu who instructed the increase of security at Israeli diplomatic missions worldwide, condemned the terrorist attack and stressed that it was a result of antisemitic and anti-Israel incitement. 

“We are witnessing the horrific price of antisemitism and the rampant incitement against the State of Israel. Blood libels against Israel result in spilled blood, and they must be fought with all our might,” Netanyahu stated. 

“My heart aches for the families of the beloved young man and woman whose lives were abruptly cut short by a vile antisemitic murderer. I have instructed to reinforce security arrangements at Israeli missions around the world and to increase protection for our representatives,” the prime minister announced. 

The two murdered Israeli embassy staff workers were identified as Yaron Lischinsky and his soon-to-be fiancée, Sarah Milgrim. Lischinsky who reportedly intended to propose to his girlfriend next week, was the brother of ALL ISRAEL NEWS Correspondent and News Desk Manager, Hanan Lischinsky. 

The gunman was identified as Elias Rodriguez, a 30-year-old radicalized Chicago resident who shouted “Free Palestine” as he was arrested. 

U.S. President Donald Trump condemned the antisemitic attack on his TRUTH social media. 

“These horrible D.C. killings, based obviously on antisemitism, must end, NOW!” Trump wrote in a post. “Hatred and Radicalism have no place in the USA. Condolences to the families of the victims. So sad that such things as this can happen! God Bless You ALL!”

The Jewish state currently maintains 196 diplomatic missions around the world, which includes embassies and various consulates. Israel has 10 diplomatic missions in the United States including its embassy in Washington, D.C. Israeli diplomatic missions have maintained high security for years due to ongoing threats. 

The worst attack against an Israeli diplomatic mission occurred in 1992 when 29 civilians were murdered and more than 240 people were wounded in an Iranian-led suicide terrorist attack outside the Israeli embassy in the Argentinean capital Buenos Aires. 

The threats against Israeli embassies and consulates have increased following the Hamas Oct. 7 massacre of 1,200 Israelis and kidnapping of 251 people from Israel in 2023. 

In June 2024, a terrorist shot a Serbian police officer with a crossbow outside the Israeli embassy in the Serbian capital Belgrade. The police officer sustained serious injuries in the terrorist attack. 

In October 2024, German authorities prevented a radicalized Libyan national and ISIS supporter from carrying out a terrorist attack against the Israeli embassy in Berlin. 

The Israeli ambassador to Germany, Ron Prosor, warned at the time of the consequences of Islamist-driven antisemitism. 

“Muslim antisemitism is no longer just hate rhetoric; it leads to and encourages terrorist activities worldwide. This is yet another example of Israeli embassies being on the front line of the diplomatic battlefield," Prosor said. 

The Islamic Republic of Iran has reportedly stepped up its attacks on Jews and Israelis around the world. CNN reported last month that the Iranian regime employed local criminals to carry out terrorist attacks against Jews and Israelis in Sweden. Tehran’s anti-Israel terrorism efforts included paying a criminal teen gang member to carry out a failed attack against the Israeli embassy in the Swedish capital Stockholm.