As President Lee Jae-myung has publicly criticized Israel on social media and repeatedly clashed with the Israeli government, an analysis said Lee is continuing his criticism with domestic political goals in mind.
On the 12th (local time), the Jerusalem Post reported, in an article titled "South Korean president sparks diplomatic spat with Israel over Holocaust analogy," citing Kobi Barda, a senior fellow at the Jewish People Policy Institute (JPPI) and a geopolitical expert.
According to the paper, Barda said, "More than half of the oil Korea uses is imported from the Middle East, and Korea is under unusual energy pressure," adding, "The real story likely started in Tehran and the Gulf, not in Israel."
Barda added, "The Korean government hopes Iran will stay calm or at least not interfere," noting, "If tanker traffic in the Strait of Hormuz is delayed or blocked, it would be an emergency for the Korean economy."
He also said, "A need has emerged for President Lee to explain the situation to the Korean public, express a moral stance, and show leadership on the international stage," arguing, "This issue is about energy concerns, Iran, and domestic politics more than it is about Israel."
As the level of moral condemnation of Israel has risen in the international community, Israel has become an easier target to raise a "strong voice" against without much direct cost, which is interpreted to mean that Lee mentioned Israel as a political tool.
Earlier, Lee shared on X (formerly Twitter) a post stating "There is no difference between the Holocaust and wartime killings," along with a video that appears to show an Israel Defense Forces (IDF) soldier pushing a Palestinian child off a roof, drawing a strong expression of regret from the Israeli government.
Israel's Foreign Ministry condemned Lee's remarks, including "comments that belittle the Holocaust," as "utterly unacceptable," to which Lee fired back, saying, "It is disappointing that Israel could at least once reflect on the world's criticism," further escalating tensions.
Qatar-based Al Jazeera and Japan's Japan Times also spotlighted the dispute, reporting that "Korea sharpened its response to Israel's criticism and further hardened its stance."