Western Diplomats Skip Nagasaki Memorial Over Israel Exclusion

The U.S. and British ambassadors to Japan, along with other G7 nations, will not attend the Nagasaki atomic bombing memorial due to the exclusion of Israel. Nagasaki Mayor Shiro Suzuki cited security concerns and potential protests over the Gaza conflict as reasons for not inviting Israel. This decision has been criticized by several Western nations, who argue it creates an unfair equivalence between Israel and countries like Russia and Belarus. Despite the controversy, Suzuki insists the exclusion is not political but aims to ensure a peaceful ceremony. The U.S. ambassador will instead participate in a peace ceremony in Tokyo, and lower-ranking diplomats will represent their countries at the Nagasaki event. The decision contrasts with Hiroshima's memorial, which included the Israeli ambassador without incident.