NEW DELHI: In a shocking incident that has sent ripples through diplomatic circles, two staff members of the Israeli Embassy in the United States were shot dead outside the mission’s premises in Washington, D.C., late Wednesday evening (local time), authorities confirmed on Thursday.

The victims have been identified as Yaron Lischinsky, 42, a senior security officer, and Sarah Milgrim, 36, a cultural affairs attaché. Both were shot multiple times just outside the embassy’s staff entrance in the upscale Cleveland Park neighborhood, not far from the city’s diplomatic quarter.

? Targeted and professional attack ?

Preliminary reports suggest the attack was "highly targeted" and "professionally executed." According to local law enforcement and intelligence sources, the suspect or suspects remain at large. Surveillance footage reportedly shows a masked individual approaching the staff car and opening fire before fleeing the scene on foot.

Washington Metropolitan Police Chief Pamela Smith stated in a press conference, "We are treating this as a possible terror-related incident. Multiple agencies, including the FBI and Department of Homeland Security, are involved in the investigation."

Israeli PM demands swift probe; US vows justice

The Israeli Prime Minister's Office confirmed the deaths and described the attack as a “heinous act of violence against Israeli representatives abroad.” Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu expressed his condolences to the families and stated, “Israel will not rest until those responsible are brought to justice.”

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken condemned the incident in strong terms, calling it an “outrageous attack on diplomatic personnel.” In a statement, he said, “We are in close coordination with Israeli authorities and are deploying every available resource to identify and apprehend the perpetrators.”

Tightened security at embassies worldwide

In the wake of the incident, Israeli embassies and consulates around the world have been placed on high alert. Security has been visibly stepped up at the Israeli Embassy in New Delhi and other high-risk locations.

While no group has claimed responsibility yet, intelligence agencies are probing potential leads, including the possibility of foreign interference or an extremist lone wolf actor motivated by rising tensions in the Middle East.

Who were the victims?

• Yaron Lischinsky was a veteran of Israel’s Shin Bet security agency and had been posted in Washington since 2022.

• Sarah Milgrim, originally from Haifa, was known for her efforts to promote cultural diplomacy and had curated multiple Indo-Israeli events during her time in New Delhi before her US posting.

Both had families residing in the U.S., and arrangements are being made for the repatriation of their remains.

Investigation underway

A high-level task force has been established to lead the investigation. Forensic teams have recovered shell casings and are analyzing security footage from surrounding buildings. D.C. police have urged anyone with information to come forward.