Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu launched a fierce verbal attack on UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, French President Emmanuel Macron, and Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, accusing them of effectively siding with Hamas by criticizing Israel’s military operations in Gaza.
In a video statement following a deadly shooting at the Israeli embassy event in Washington, Netanyahu claimed that the three leaders were supporting “mass murderers, rapists, baby killers, and kidnappers.”
“When mass murderers thank you, you are on the wrong side of justice, the wrong side of humanity, and the wrong side of history,” Netanyahu declared.
His remarks come after the UK, France, and Canada jointly condemned Israel’s latest military offensive in Gaza as ‘disproportionate’ and described the humanitarian crisis there as “intolerable.”
Background and Accusations
Netanyahu’s statement followed a deadly incident on Thursday in Washington D.C., where Israeli embassy staff members Yaron Lischinsky (30) and Sara Lynn Milgrim (26) were fatally shot during an event organized by the Jewish Museum. The attacker, identified as Elias Rodriguez from Chicago, reportedly shouted “Free Palestine” during his arrest.
Social media posts linked to Rodriguez suggest he was involved in pro-Palestinian protest movements. Authorities are investigating his alleged online claims accusing Israel of genocide and condemning U.S. foreign policy.
Despite condemning the attack, the three Western nations also issued one of their strongest rebukes yet of Israeli actions since the war in Gaza began 19 months ago. They warned of potential consequences if Israel fails to change its course.
Netanyahu’s Counterclaims
In his video, Netanyahu reiterated that Hamas aims to destroy Israel and the Jewish people. He suggested the joint condemnation was welcomed by Hamas, and interpreted it as a move to keep the militant group in power.
“Some of Israel’s closest allies want us to back down and allow Hamas’s army of mass killers to survive,” he stated.
Diplomatic Fallout
Prime Minister Starmer recently called Israel’s humanitarian aid efforts “completely inadequate” and announced that the UK had suspended trade negotiations with Israel. He also reaffirmed his stance that antisemitism is “an evil we must eradicate.”
Meanwhile, UN humanitarian chief Tom Fletcher warned that thousands of babies could die in Gaza if Israel does not immediately allow large-scale humanitarian aid into the region.
