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Jun 17, 2026 Major3
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Israel Summons Belarusian Ambassador Over Lukashenko's Holocaust Comparison
Israel's Ministry of Foreign Affairs summoned the Belarusian ambassador on June 17 to formally protest President Alexander Lukashenko's statements comparing Gaza to the Holocaust. Lukashenko had criticized Israel's military operations in Gaza during an Al Arabiya interview, prompting an official Israeli rebuke of what the ministry characterized as unacceptable historical comparisons.




Quick Facts
Who
Yuriy Yaroshevich (Belarusian Ambassador to Israel)
What
Belarusian ambassador summoned to Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs
When
June 17, 2026
Where
Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Tel Aviv
- Belarusian ambassador summoned to Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs
- Official reprimand delivered to ambassador
- Lukashenko made statements comparing Gaza situation to Holocaust
- Israel issued formal diplomatic protest
- Lukashenko criticized Israeli military operations in Gaza
The Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs summoned Belarusian Ambassador Yuriy Yaroshevich on June 17 to deliver an official reprimand following controversial remarks by President Alexander Lukashenko comparing the military situation in Gaza to the Holocaust. The summons was ordered by Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar, with the ministry's Director-General Eden Bar-Tal conveying Israel's official position to the ambassador, emphasizing that such comparisons are unacceptable.
In an interview with Al Arabiya English, Lukashenko criticized Israel's military operations in Gaza, stating that Israel should "be more careful" and consider international reaction to the consequences of its actions. He drew parallels between the destruction in Gaza and the Holocaust, declaring: "What Holocaust? What Holocaust can there be, which Israelis speak of, when they killed so many people, primarily women and children?" Lukashenko also asserted that Gaza has been completely destroyed and dismissed post-war reconstruction plans as "complete stupidity."
Israel's foreign ministry responded with a strongly worded statement, asserting that it "decisively rejects" any comparison between the horrors of the Holocaust—including atrocities that occurred on Belarusian territory during World War II—and what it characterizes as Israel's "just war against terrorism." The ministry also rejected Lukashenko's suggestion that the international community applies double standards by discussing crimes against Israelis while ignoring Israeli actions in Gaza.
The incident reflects broader tensions between Belarus and Israel over Israel's military campaign in Gaza, which has drawn international scrutiny and criticism. Lukashenko's remarks carry particular weight given Belarus's significant Jewish history and the Holocaust's impact on its territory during World War II. The diplomatic protest underscores Israel's sensitivity regarding historical comparisons involving the Holocaust and its ongoing efforts to defend its military operations in Gaza against international criticism.
Why This Matters
This diplomatic incident reveals deepening international divisions over Israel's Gaza campaign and the weaponization of Holocaust comparisons in geopolitical discourse. For readers, it underscores how military conflicts increasingly trigger formal diplomatic protests over historical rhetoric, signaling potential escalation in Israel-Belarus relations and broader challenges to Israel's international standing regarding Gaza operations.
Timeline & Sources
Jun 17, 2026
WireBelarusian Ambassador Yuriy Yaroshevich summoned to Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs for official reprimand
Jun 17, 2026
WireFirst news reports published by Ведомости regarding the summons
Jun 18, 2026
WireГазета publishes report on the diplomatic incident
Jun 18, 2026
WireВФокусе Mail reports on the incident