WASHINGTON (Reuters) -Following are reactions from Israel, the United States and other parts of the world to the killing of two Israeli embassy staffers by a lone gunman in Washington, D.C., on Wednesday night. Officials said a suspect who chanted pro-Palestinian slogans was in custody.
BENJAMIN NETANYAHU, ISRAELI PRIME MINISTER
“We are witness to the terrible cost of the antisemitism and wild incitement against the State of Israel. Blood libels against Israel have a cost in blood and must be fought to the utmost.
“My heart grieves for the families of the young beloveds, whose lives were cut short in a moment by an abhorrent antisemitic murderer.”
GIDEON SAAR, ISRAELI FOREIGN MINISTER
“This is a direct result of toxic antisemitic incitement against Israel and Jews around the world that has been going on since the October 7 massacre.”
DONALD TRUMP, U.S. PRESIDENT
“These horrible D.C. killings, based obviously on antisemitism, must end, NOW! 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!”
KAJA KALLAS, EU FOREIGN POLICY CHIEF
“Shocked by the shooting of two Israeli embassy staff in Washington DC. There is and should be no place in our societies for hatred, extremism, or antisemitism. I extend my condolences to the families of the victims and the people of Israel.”
EMMANUEL MACRON, FRENCH PRESIDENT
“Two members of Israel’s embassy in Washington lost their lives in an antisemitic attack in front of the Jewish Museum. To President Isaac Herzog, I address our thoughts for the victims’ families and their loved ones.”
DAVID LAMMY, UK FOREIGN SECRETARY OF STATE
“Horrified by the killing of two Israeli Embassy staff in DC. We condemn this appalling, antisemitic crime. Our thoughts are with the victims, their families and colleagues at this awful time.”
JOHANN WADEPHUL, GERMAN FOREIGN MINISTER
“Nothing can justify antisemitic violence. I am shocked by the dastardly murder of two employees of the Israeli Embassy in Washington.”
JOSE MANUEL ALBARES, SPANISH FOREIGN MINISTER:
“I just landed in Washington DC with the terrible news of the murder of two members of the Israeli embassy in the US. My strong condemnation and my solidarity with the families of the victims and the people of Israel. Nothing justifies anti-Semitism and this barbaric act.”
SUBRAHMANYAM JAISHANKAR, INDIAN FOREIGN MINISTER
“Condemn in the strongest term the killing of Israeli diplomats in Washington DC. Our thoughts and prayers are with their families and colleagues. The perpetrators must be brought to justice.”
MAXIME PREVOT, BELGIAN FOREIGN MINISTER
“My thoughts are with the families of the two Israeli diplomats killed yesterday in Washington. I condemn this heinous and inappropriate act. The spiral of violence must stop. The conflict between Israelis and Palestinians must not be exported: it must be resolved. Quickly and permanently.”
ANTONIO TAJANI, ITALIAN FOREIGN MINISTER
“I stand with the State of Israel for the tragic murder of two young employees of the Israeli embassy in Washington. Scenes of terror and violence to be strongly condemned. antisemitism born of hatred against Jews must be stopped, the horrors of the past can never return.”
CASPAR VELDKAMP, DUTCH FOREIGN MINISTER
“Shocking news that two Israeli Embassy staff were killed in Washington DC. I condemn this antisemitic attack in the strongest possible terms and support U.S. investigative efforts. Violence and hate can never be justified.”
LARS LOKKE RASMUSSEN, DANISH FOREIGN MINISTER
“Horrified by the overnight killing of two Israeli embassy employees at the Jewish Museum in Washington, which I strongly condemn. My thoughts are with the victims and their loved ones.”
MICHEAL MARTIN, IRISH PRIME MINISTER
“I strongly condemn the horrific gun attack that killed two Israeli embassy staff in Washington DC last night. My deepest sympathies go to the family and friends of the couple, and the Israeli people. There can be absolutely no place for violence or hate.”
UKRAINE’S MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS
“We are shocked by the news of the appalling killing of two staff members of the Israeli Embassy in Washington, DC. Our thoughts are with the victims’ families and we wish a speedy recovery to the wounded.”
ELINA VALTONEN, FINNISH FOREIGN MINISTER
“I am deeply saddened by the news that two Israeli embassy staff members were killed in Washington DC last night. My thoughts are with their loved ones and the Jewish community. Antisemitism and hatred have no place in our societies.”
EDGARS RINKEVICS, LATVIAN PRESIDENT
“I strongly condemn this heinous antisemitic crime. My deep condolences to the families, friends and colleagues of the victims.”
ESPEN BARTH EIDE, NORWEGIAN FOREIGN MINISTER
“I am deeply saddened by the killing of two Israeli embassy staff outside the Capital Jewish Museum in Washington, DC. My thoughts are with the victims’ families, with the Jewish community in the US, and with colleagues at (the Israeli foreign ministry).”
(Reporting by Charlotte Van CampenhoutEditing by Alex Richardson and Frances Kerry)
