Embassy of Israel, Washington, D.C.

History

The embassy opened in December 1980, after Israel's 1977 request to move to the Embassy Row during the then-Israeli prime minister Menachem Begin's first visit to Washington, D.C. On another visit to the city, Begin performed the Jewish ritual of hanging a mezuzah by the embassy's front door.

The Ambassador is Yechiel Leiter. In addition to the ambassador, the embassy includes 13 departments that seek to strengthen the relationship between the United States and Israel. These departments include the Defense and Armed Forces Attache, the Political Department, Congressional Affairs, Public Diplomacy, Defense and Armed Forces, Economic Mission, Commercial Mission, the Minister for Administrative Affairs and Consul, Police and Security, Academic Affairs, Cultural Affairs, Press Office, and Agriculture and Science.

The embassy hosts numerous events for politicians and the general public throughout the year, including a celebration for Yom Ha'atzmaut, Israel's Independence Day.

On February 25, 2024, Aaron Bushnell, a 25-year-old serviceman of the United States Air Force, died after setting himself on fire, while live streaming the event, outside the front gate of the Embassy in protest of perceived genocide and United States support for Israel in the Gaza war.

On May 21, 2025, two staff members were killed in a shooting at the Capital Jewish Museum. The suspected shooter chanted pro-Palestinian slogans after the shooting.

References

References

1. "The Embassy of Israel". Embassy.org.
2. Eisen, Jack. (1980-12-22). "Israel Becomes First Occupant of a New Diplomatic Neighborhood". [[The Washington Post]].
3. Rose, Casey Gannon, Jennifer Hansler, Rashard. (2024-02-25). "US airman sets himself on fire outside Israeli Embassy in Washington {{!}} CNN Politics".
4. Yen, Amanda. (2024-02-25). "Man Sets Himself on Fire in Front of Israeli Embassy in D.C.". The Daily Beast.
5. (2024-02-26). "Aaron Bushnell: US airman dies after setting himself on fire outside Israeli embassy in Washington".
6. (2025-05-22). "Two Israeli embassy staff shot dead in attack at DC Jewish museum".
7. Jeong, Andrew. (2025-05-22). "Two Israeli Embassy workers shot and killed near Jewish museum in D.C.". The Washington Post.