South Korean President Lee Jae Myung has ignited a significant diplomatic controversy with Israel after posting a video on social media platform X that appears to show Israeli soldiers engaging in misconduct in the occupied West Bank. The incident, which occurred in April 2026, has led to a rare public clash between the two countries, straining their long-standing diplomatic relations that span six decades.
Social Media Post Triggers International Backlash
President Lee shared the video on X, originally filmed in September 2024, depicting Israeli soldiers pushing an apparently deceased Palestinian man from a rooftop in the West Bank town of Qabatiya. Reports from Al Jazeera indicate that one soldier was seen kicking the body before it fell. In his post, Lee emphasized the need to verify the footage and stressed that humanitarian law must be upheld under all circumstances. He wrote, "We need to check if this is true, and if it is, we should find out what measures were taken," adding that "humanitarian law must be observed under any circumstances."
Historical Comparisons Fuel the Fire
In a follow-up statement, Lee drew controversial parallels, asserting there is "no difference" between wartime killings, the Holocaust, and the sexual slavery of women under Japan's colonial rule of Korea from 1910 to 1945. This comparison, made on the eve of Holocaust Remembrance Day in Israel, provoked a swift and angry response from the Israeli Foreign Ministry. The ministry took to X to condemn Lee's remarks as "unacceptable" and warranting strong condemnation, accusing him of trivializing the massacre of Jews.
Israel's Strong Rebuttal
The Israeli Foreign Ministry criticized Lee for "digging up a story from 2024" and citing a fake account that falsely presented it as a current event. In a pointed message, the ministry advised, "Mr. President, it's always better to check before posting." This public rebuke marks an unusual escalation in tensions between South Korea and Israel, who have maintained diplomatic ties since 1966.
Lee Stands Firm Amid Criticism
Despite the backlash, President Lee doubled down on his stance over the weekend, responding to Israel's criticism on X. He expressed disappointment that Israel did not reflect on global criticisms of its actions, stating, "It's disappointing that you don't even once reflect on the criticisms from people around the world who are suffering and struggling due to relentless anti-human rights and anti-international law actions." He further clarified that the video depicted a real event from September 2024, which had been condemned by the United States, and reiterated his commitment to universal human rights and international humanitarian law.
South Korean Government's Response
In an attempt to de-escalate the situation, South Korea's Ministry of Foreign Affairs reshared a post on X, asserting that the Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs had misunderstood the intent of President Lee's remarks. The ministry stated that Lee's comments were an "expression of his convictions regarding universal human rights rather than an opinion on any specific issue." It reaffirmed South Korea's opposition to all forms of violence and anti-humanitarian acts, including terrorism, while expressing deep empathy for the suffering endured by Israel during the Holocaust.
This diplomatic row highlights the growing impact of social media on international relations and the delicate balance between advocating for human rights and maintaining diplomatic decorum. As both nations navigate this dispute, the incident underscores the importance of careful communication in the digital age, where posts can quickly escalate into significant geopolitical conflicts.
