The Israeli ambassador to the U.S. decided not to participate in a vigil in Washington, DC on Tuesday for the six hostages murdered by Hamas after his request to speak at the event was denied, four sources with direct knowledge told Axios.
The unusual incident reflects the growing rift between the majority of the families of hostages being held by Hamas in Gaza and the Netanyahu government.
The Israeli embassy confirmed the ambassador and his deputy didn’t attend the vigil but said they don’t boycott events related to the families of the hostages.
The majority of the hostage families accuse the Israeli government of not doing enough to get their loved ones home.
Over the last week, the families of the hostages have called for mass nationwide protests against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, saying he abandoned the hostages.
Fossil
Article URL : https://www.axios.com/2024/09/06/israeli-ambassador-skips-dc-gaza-hostages-vigil