Israel Blames UK After Manchester Synagogue Attack

A suspected Islamist-motivated terror attack struck the Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation synagogue in Crumpsall, Manchester on Yom Kippur when a man drove a car into worshippers and then stabbed people outside, killing at least two and injuring several (some reports put the death toll at three). Armed officers shot the assailant dead at the scene and Greater Manchester Police identified him as 35-year-old Jihad Al‑Shamie, a British citizen of Syrian descent with no previous Prevent referrals; police say officers arrived within minutes and detained two additional suspects. Israeli leaders, including Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, publicly blamed the British government for failing to curb a “toxic wave” of antisemitism and demanded stronger action, while Israeli intelligence says it believes Hamas directed the assault from abroad. Prime Minister Keir Starmer condemned the “vile” attack, returned from a summit to oversee the response, pledged increased protection for Jewish sites and visited a London synagogue. The incident has prompted a major counterterrorism inquiry, renewed calls for tougher measures against antisemitic incitement and heightened diplomatic tensions between the UK and Israel as investigations continue.