Israel: Shock At 'Thank You Hitler' Graffiti

Israel's holocaust memorial has been daubed with graffiti saying "Thank you Hitler", in a suspected attack by Jewish religious extremists.

The words were sprayed in Hebrew at the entrance to Yad Vashem in Jerusalem, provoking outrage from the Israeli government.

"This is an escalation and an unprecedented crossing of red lines," Minister Yuli Edelstein said, describing the attack as a "spit in the face of Holocaust victims".

Other graffiti at the site said: "Only because of the Holocaust did we receive a state from the UN. If Hitler hadn't existed, the Zionists would have created him" and "Wake up Jews, the cynical evil regime does not protect us it only endangers us".

The references to the Holocaust and Zionism appear to reflect the views of a small section of ultra-orthodox Jews who believe the State of Israel was created in violation of religious doctrine.

They claim Israel can only exist when the "messiah" comes and oppose "Zionism" as an abomination.

Yad Vashem is a memorial, a museum and research centre, commemorating the six million Jews who were murdered during the Holocaust.

The chairman of the museum, Avner Shalev, said the Hebrew writing and the content of the slogans led him to believe that Jewish extremists were responsible.

"We are shocked by this expression of burning hatred against Zionism and Zionists," Mr Shalev said.

Israeli police are investigating the graffiti attack and reviewing security camera footage at the site.