Photo by
Hillel Maeir/TPS-IL on 13 February, 2020
Netanyahu Orders Global Embassy Security Boost After Deadly DC Attack
Jerusalem, 22 May, 2025 (TPS-IL) -- Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced heightened security at Israeli embassies worldwide following the fatal shooting of two embassy staffers outside an event at the Capital Jewish Museum in Washington, DC.
In a statement, Netanyahu condemned Wednesday night’s attack as a “horrifying antisemitic murder,” expressing deep sorrow for the victims. “My heart aches with the families of the young couple, whose lives were cut short by a despicable antisemitic murderer,” he said. Netanyahu added that he had been briefed by Israeli Ambassador to the US Yechiel Leiter and US Attorney General Pam Bondi, who assured him the United States would bring the killer to justice.
The suspected shooter, identified as Elias Rodriguez, 30, of Chicago, was apprehended at the scene. Witnesses report he shouted “Free Palestine” during his arrest.
According to Tal Naim Cohen, a spokesperson for the Israeli embassy, the two staffers were a young couple about to become engaged.
“We are devastated,” Cohen said. “This was a horrifying attack on individuals who came to celebrate their heritage and community.”
Said Leiter, “The couple that was gunned down tonight in the name of ‘Free Palestine’ was a couple about to be engaged.”
Netanyahu thanked Bondi and US President Donald Trump “for standing clearly against antisemitism,” saying, “We are witnessing the terrible price of antisemitism and the wild incitement against the State of Israel. The blood libels against Israel are costing us blood and must be fought relentlessly.”
The American Jewish Committee (AJC), which was hosting the event, said it was “devastated” by the attack. “At this moment, as we await more information from the police about exactly what transpired, our attention and our hearts are solely with those who were harmed and their families,” said AJC CEO Ted Deutch.
Israeli President Isaac Herzog denounced the shooting as a “despicable antisemitic terror attack,” adding, “America and Israel will always stand united in defending our peoples and common values. We won’t let terror and hate break us.”
Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar called the attack “terrible news,” and insisted “Israel won’t give in to terror.”
