Before Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the Knesset, a political controversy unfolded
By Sammy,
Before Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the Knesset, a political controversy unfolded. Knesset Speaker Amir Ohana decided not to invite Supreme Court President Isaac Amit to the session, prompting several opposition parties to stage a walkout. Members of Yesh Atid, Yisrael Beytenu, and The Democrats left the plenum at the start of the special session, returning only for Modi's speech. Benny Gantz's Blue and White party attended Modi's remarks but boycotted Ohana's. To maintain quorum, Ohana invited former coalition MKs, including United Torah Judaism's Moshe Roth and Likud's Pnina Rosenblum, some of whom he personally called.
As Netanyahu and Modi entered the Knesset, the prime minister was asked about Amit's exclusion. Netanyahu avoided the question, saying only, "we're in historic times." He shared a lighthearted exchange with Modi, joking about political systems: "India has thirty parties for a country of a billion and a half, and Israel has 13 parties for 10 million. You see the problem we have? You're in better shape," to which Modi laughed.
Modi signed the Knesset guestbook in the Chagall Hall, drawing applause from officials, diplomats, and members of the Indian delegation. Netanyahu and Modi then greeted children waving Israeli and Indian flags before moving to Ohana's office.
During the plenary, Netanyahu praised Modi, calling him "a great friend of Israel...more than a friend, a brother," and thanked him for India's clear support after the October 7, 2023, Hamas attacks. He emphasized Israel and India's "iron alliance" against extremist threats and highlighted joint initiatives, including technological cooperation, trade growth, and the IMEC transport corridor connecting India to Europe via Israel.
Modi addressed lawmakers, expressing condolences for lives lost in the October 7 attacks and emphasizing India's commitment to counter-terrorism: "Terror anywhere threatens peace everywhere...India supports all efforts that contribute to regional stability." He framed Israel and India as "ancient civilizations" with shared democratic values, praised Israel as a "powerhouse of innovation," and highlighted bilateral initiatives such as the parliamentary transit group, the investment treaty, support for the Abraham Accords, and the Gaza peace plan. Modi concluded with "Am Yisrael Chai," earning a standing ovation.
At the session's conclusion, Ohana awarded Modi the first-ever Knesset Medal. Opposition leader Yair Lapid, returning after the walkout, personally greeted Modi, stressing that the protest was not directed at him and affirming the enduring Israel-India partnership.
Following the session, Netanyahu and Modi continued their agenda with meetings, an innovation forum, and joint planning for upcoming agreements in economic, security, and diplomatic fields.
Topics: Gaza, Israeli Politics, Diplomacy
Reported by Sammy for Bernie News Network. See our editorial standards and corrections policy.