Israeli Heritage Minister Blames Yair Golan for Washington Embassy Shooting

Report by Safarti Tarjuman International Desk

Israel’s Heritage Minister Amichay Eliyahu has stirred controversy by blaming left-wing political leader Yair Golan for the fatal shooting of two Israeli embassy staffers in Washington, D.C., earlier this week. Eliyahu claimed that Golan’s recent inflammatory remarks contributed to incitement against Israelis abroad.

In a strongly worded post on social media, Eliyahu stated, “Yair Golan’s blood libels are echoed by Nazis and Israel-haters around the world. We’re now paying the price with the murderous terror attack in Washington. History shows that we will pay even more in the future. Yair, the blood of the embassy employees is on your hands and those of your allies.”

The statement came just one day after two Israeli diplomats were shot dead near the Capital Jewish Museum in Washington. The shooter, identified as Elias Rodriguez, was reportedly heard shouting pro-Palestinian slogans during his arrest.

Eliyahu’s accusations followed Golan’s earlier remarks in which he said Israel “kills babies as a hobby.” Golan later clarified that his comments were aimed at political figures whose rhetoric, he claimed, legitimized violence, not at the military itself. Despite his clarification, the comments were widely condemned across Israel’s political spectrum.

The public fallout between Eliyahu and Golan has reignited debate over Israel’s internal divisions and the impact of political rhetoric on global perceptions of the country.

The fatal shooting in Washington has drawn swift international condemnation. Israeli President Isaac Herzog, U.S. President Donald Trump, and U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio denounced the act, expressing solidarity with the victims’ families and calling for justice.

Homeland Security officials and the FBI continue to investigate the incident, while Israeli diplomatic missions worldwide remain on heightened alert amid growing concerns over threats to diplomatic personnel.