Israel blames Europe after embassy staff shot dead in US
International tensions over antisemitism erupted on Thursday after two Israeli embassy staff were shot dead at a Jewish museum in Washington by a gunman who shouted 'free Palestine' as he was arrested.
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Israel's foreign minister Gideon Saar blamed European criticism of his country's stepped-up Gaza offensive, claiming 'a direct line connecting antisemitic and anti-Israeli incitement to this murder'.
'This incitement is also done by leaders and officials of many countries and international organisations, especially from Europe,' he said.
French foreign ministry spokesman Christophe Lemoine called the accusation 'completely outrageous and completely unjustified'.
The killings took place just outside the Capital Jewish Museum late on Wednesday as the venue, 1.6km (one mile) from the White House, hosted a social event for young professionals and diplomatic staff.
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Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu cited 'the terrible price of antisemitism' and decried 'wild incitement against the State of Israel'.
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