Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has sharply criticized the UK government following a suspected antisemitic stabbing attack in Golders Green, London, in which two Jewish men were seriously injured.Police say the two victims, aged in their 30s and 70s, are in stable condition.Calling for stronger measures, Netanyahu’s office said “weakness gaslights one antisemitic attack after another in London,” adding that “words are not enough to confront this scourge.” It demanded “decisive action” to protect British Jews and ensure swift justice for perpetrators.The attack has intensified political pressure on UK leadership as concerns grow over a series of incidents targeting Jewish communities and institutions in the British capital.
Suspect identified as British national of Somali origin
According to the Metropolitan Police, the suspect is a 45-year-old British national born in Somalia. He was arrested on suspicion of attempted murder and briefly hospitalized before being taken into custody.Police confirmed that the suspect is also being linked to a separate earlier incident in south-east London on the same day, involving a knife altercation in which a resident suffered minor injuries.Officers are also searching a property in south-east London as part of the investigation.Counter Terrorism Policing is leading the probe, with authorities stating they are examining possible terrorist links and the suspect’s background, including a history of violence and mental health issues.
Police treat case as terrorism probe
The Metropolitan Police said the investigation is being handled by counter-terrorism officers, who are “working to establish the full circumstances and any potential links to extremist motives.”Authorities also confirmed the suspect allegedly attempted to attack responding officers during the incident.Footage circulating online reportedly shows bystanders and security volunteers intervening before police arrested the attacker.
Starmer calls attack ‘utterly appalling’
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer condemned the stabbing, calling it “utterly appalling” and stressing that “attacks on our Jewish community are attacks on Britain.”He said the government is stepping up funding for community security and working to “root out antisemitism wherever it appears,” including in public institutions.Downing Street described the incident as “deeply shocking,” acknowledging rising concerns within the Jewish community.
Series of antisemitic incidents
The Golders Green stabbing comes amid a wider pattern of attacks and security threats in London, including arson targeting Jewish emergency vehicles and vandalism near synagogues.Community organizations report nearly 3,700 antisemitic incidents in the past year, more than double the previous year’s figures.London Mayor Sadiq Khan said there is “no place for antisemitism in society,” while King Charles III expressed being “deeply concerned” and offered support to victims and the Jewish community.Chief Rabbi Ephraim Mirvis said “words of condemnation are no longer sufficient,” urging “meaningful action” from all institutions.Israel’s foreign ministry echoed Netanyahu’s criticism, saying British Jews should not need “security patrols and emergency volunteers” to live safely and calling for urgent government action.
