Washington D.C. — Late Wednesday night, two employees of the Israeli Embassy were shot dead near the Jewish Museum in Washington D.C., officials confirmed. U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security, Kirstjen Nielsen, announced the killings via a social media post, describing the attack as brutal and expressing that investigations are underway.
“We are actively investigating the incident and will share more information as it becomes available,” Nielsen stated.
According to media reports, the two embassy staff were fatally shot. The Israeli Embassy spokesperson in Washington, Tal Naim, confirmed the deaths of two key personnel and expressed full trust in U.S. security forces to safeguard Israeli diplomats.
The attack has raised alarm internationally. In response, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced an immediate global increase in security measures at Israeli diplomatic missions. “My heart goes out to the families of those who lost their lives in Washington,” Netanyahu said. “We will strengthen security at all Israeli embassies worldwide. This act was carried out by those who hate us, and they will pay the price.”
The incident comes amid heightened global tensions involving Israel and has further underscored the vulnerabilities faced by diplomats abroad. U.S. authorities have launched an intensive probe into the attack, which has sent shockwaves through both the diplomatic community and international observers.
This tragic event highlights the ongoing risks faced by diplomatic staff amid rising geopolitical conflicts and calls for robust international cooperation to ensure their safety.