Israel tightens security at embassies after Washington killings

Israel has increased security at its diplomatic missions worldwide following the killing of two Israeli embassy employees in Washington, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office announced on Thursday.

In a statement, Netanyahu expressed that he was “shocked” by the “horrific, anti-Semitic” shooting in the U.S. capital.

“We are witnessing the terrible cost of antisemitism and extreme incitement against Israel. The blood libels against Israel are costing us lives and must be fought relentlessly,” he said.

The two Israeli embassy staff members were shot dead near the Capital Jewish Museum. According to Israel’s ambassador to the U.S., Yechiel Leiter, they were a young couple who were about to get engaged.

U.S. police confirmed the suspect has been arrested. Following his detention, the suspect reportedly chanted the slogan “free, free Palestine.”