🔗 Share this article

The Israeli Prime Minister denounced the “brutal incident” on a UK Jewish temple on Thursday, declaring that “weakness in the face of terrorism only brings more terrorism. Only strength and unity can defeat it.”

Israeli Top Diplomat Criticizes UK Government of Inaction on Antisemitism

The Israeli foreign minister, Gideon Sa’ar, claimed British officials had not done enough to combat anti-Jewish prejudice in his response to the attack in Manchester, where two individuals lost their lives.

Expressing horror at the killings, Sa’ar stated, asserting that hate speech targeting Jews had become “commonplace” across the United Kingdom.

“It must be stated clearly: open and widespread hostility toward Jews and Israel, along with endorsements of extremist violence, have recently become a widespread phenomenon in the capital’s avenues, in cities across Britain and on its campuses,” the minister posted online on Thursday night.

He further accused British authorities of failing to take the necessary action to stop the “dangerous surge in anti-Jewish sentiment” and allowing it to persist.

“The Starmer administration must go beyond verbal assurances. We expect and demand a change of course, decisive steps, and enforcement against the rampant antisemitic and anti-Israeli incitement in the UK,” Sa’ar said.

Netanyahu Expresses Solidarity with UK Jewish Community

In an official communication, Netanyahu affirmed Israel’s unity with the British Jewish community.

“Israel grieves with the Jewish community in the UK after the barbaric terror attack in Manchester. We share the sorrow of the bereaved families, and we hope for the rapid healing of those injured,” Netanyahu said in a statement on Thursday afternoon.

The Israeli leader had previously rebuked British authorities when it recognised the Palestinian state earlier last month, in coordination with other nations including Australia.

“Referring to his United Nations address: weakness in the face of terrorism only brings more terrorism,” Netanyahu reiterated Thursday. “A united and resolute stance is essential to overcome it.”

He blamed UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer and fellow officials who had recognised the Palestinian state as “giving a huge reward to terrorism”. Starmer has said that recognition of a Palestinian state is a necessary step toward a peaceful two-state solution and that Hamas would be excluded in any prospective Palestinian nation.

Specifics of the Violent Incident at Jewish Worship Site

A man attacked the Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation synagogue in the Crumpsall area on Thursday morning, taking the lives of two Jewish individuals and causing severe harm to four additional attendees who had come to observe the Day of Atonement, the holiest day in the Jewish calendar.

The assailant, reportedly equipped with what seemed to be an “explosive device”, was shot dead by police after attacking one individual with a knife and attempting to run over members of the synagogue with a car. Police later said the device was “not viable” and that they had taken two individuals into custody related to the incident.

Greater Manchester police said they declared Plato – the official term for a roaming terrorist assault – in the early hours. Starmer flew back to the UK early from a meeting of European officials in Denmark to lead a crisis government meeting to respond to the event.

British Leader Responds to Violent Assault

Addressing the press post-meeting, the UK leader denounced the “despicable” violence and told the Jewish community in Britain that he would do “all possible to ensure your rightful safety”.

“To every Jewish person in this country, I also want to say this: I understand the profound anxiety you are experiencing,” Starmer said.

Studies on Antisemitism in the UK

In a July report, the Board of Deputies of British Jews found systemic shortcomings in tackling bias against Jews in the nation including within governmental bodies.

During August, the Community Security Trust, which monitors antisemitism, said it had recorded 1,521 antisemitic incidents in the first half of 2025. This was the second-highest number of its kind but down by a quarter from the record number recorded last year.

Israeli officials such as Netanyahu have in the past asserted that pro-Palestinian advocacy has fueled rising anti-Jewish sentiment, an accusation activists have rejected.