pm modi knesset speech: strict stance on terrorism, new height in India-Israel relations

A historic scene was seen in Jerusalem when Prime Minister of India Narendra Modi addressed the Parliament of Israel. Knesset addressed to. The House echoed with slogans of ‘Modi-Modi’ and the MPs stood up and greeted him. This became an important moment not only diplomatically but also emotionally in the relations between the two countries.

In his address, PM Modi expressed commitment to take a tough stance against terrorism, support the Gaza peace initiative, and deepen defense and technical cooperation. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Knesset Speaker Amir Ohana thanked him for his historic address, calling him ‘more of a brother than a friend’.

What did Modi say after seeing Sara Netanyahu in saffron dress?

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu along with his wife Sara Netanyahu arrived to receive him. During this time a very interesting sight was seen. In fact, Netanyahu’s wife had also come wearing a saffron dress. She was welcoming PM Modi by shaking hands with him. Meanwhile, Netanyahu drew PM Modi’s attention to the color of his wife Sara’s dress. Also pointed towards the color of the cloth on the pocket of PM Modi’s saree. Seeing this, PM Modi also became happy and said laughingly – The color of both is saffron.

What happened during PM Modi’s speech?

Members of Israel’s opposition parties staged a walkout. The incident followed the Knesset Speaker’s decision not to invite Israel Supreme Court President Isaac Amit for Prime Minister Modi’s special evening speech. The opposition called it a boycott of Parliament, but it was not a sign of any personal opposition to Modi. However, minutes after the opposition members left the plenum, former Coalition MPs filled the vacant seats. The Knesset speaker had earlier assured that despite the opposition’s boycott, PM Modi would not have to deliver a speech to an empty house, Israel’s public broadcaster Kan reported.

Why did the opposition parties walkout?

The reason behind the protest was that the Knesset Speaker did not invite Israel’s Supreme Court President Isaac Amit to PM Modi’s speech. Many opposition parties issued statements that they will not participate in Prime Minister Netanyahu’s speech and will return to the House only at the time of PM Modi’s speech. Yesh Atid and the Yisrael Beytenu party said that ‘we will return only for the Indian Prime Minister’s speech, to honor the alliance between the two countries and to express our appreciation for PM Modi’s standing with Israel.’

What happened after the walkout?

After opposition members boycotted Netanyahu’s speech, opposition leaders including Yair Lapid in the Knesset returned to their seats to welcome PM Modi. Lapid shook hands with PM Modi and said, ‘Our walkout in this evening’s special session was not for you.’ At this the Coalition MPs protested, to which Lapid replied peacefully:

Why did the opposition support PM Modi?

Lapid said during PM Modi’s Knesset speech that ‘the whole of Israel appreciates your leadership, your friendship, and your standing with us in our difficult times. This eternal alliance between our two countries will always remain strong. He further said, ‘Thank you for coming here. We all, both sides, are waiting for your speech.

What did PM Modi say in the Israeli House?

• Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday expressed condolences to the people of India on the loss of lives in the terrorist attack by Hamas on October 7, 2023 and said that like Israel, India’s policy towards terrorism is also strict and firm, with no double standards of any kind.
• Addressing the Israeli Parliament, the Knesset, PM Modi said sustained and coordinated global action is necessary to combat terrorism, as terrorism anywhere is a threat to peace.
• He said, ‘I bring with me my deepest condolences for every life lost and every family whose world was shattered by the brutal terrorist attack carried out by Hamas on October 7. We feel your pain, share your sorrow. India stands with Israel with full determination and confidence in this moment and beyond. At this time, PM Modi was honored with a standing ovation.
• PM Modi further said, ‘No reason can justify the killing of innocent civilians. Terrorism cannot be justified under any circumstances. India has also suffered the pain of terrorism for a long time. We remember the 26/11 Mumbai attacks, in which Israeli civilians were also involved. Like you, India’s policy towards terrorism is firm and strict, with no double standards.
• Drawing attention to the objectives of terrorism, he said that terrorism seeks to destabilize society, prevent development and undermine trust. ‘Continued and coordinated global action is necessary to combat terrorism, because terrorism anywhere is a threat to peace. That is why India supports all efforts that contribute to lasting peace and regional stability.
• Referring to International Holocaust Remembrance Day last month, the Prime Minister said, ‘The Holocaust is one of the darkest chapters of humanity. Nevertheless, some wonderful acts of humanity emerged in those turbulent years. The Maharaja of Nawanagar, Gujarat, also known as Jam Saheb, gave shelter to Polish children, including Jewish children, who had no other recourse.’
• PM Modi said that India has deep admiration for Israel’s courage, determination and achievements. He also mentioned that he was born on the same day that India formally recognized Israel, and he is very happy to return to the land for which he has always been attracted.
• He said, ‘It is a privilege and honor for me to stand before this prestigious House. I am saying this as the Prime Minister of India and as a representative of an ancient civilization addressing another ancient civilization. I bring with me the good wishes of 1.4 billion Indians and a message of friendship, respect and partnership.
• PM Modi reminded, ‘Nine years ago I had the privilege of being the first Indian Prime Minister to visit Israel, and today I am very happy to return here. After all, I was born on the same day that India formally recognized Israel, 17 September 1950.’
• Earlier, PM Modi signed the official guest book at the Chagall Hall of the Knesset. PM Modi reached Israel today on a two-day state visit. He was accompanied by Foreign Minister S. Jaishankar, National Security Advisor Ajit Doval and Foreign Secretary Vikram Mishri are also there.

Grand welcome for PM Modi in Israel and the magic of ‘Modi Hug’

• Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, while welcoming PM Narendra Modi at the Knesset (Israeli Parliament), described the relations between the two countries as a “wonderful friendship”. Recalling the welcome ceremony held at the airport, Netanyahu said, ‘This morning my wife Sara and I welcomed you at the airport. As soon as you came down the steps, we hugged each other. Prime Minister Modi’s personal embrace is something special. This is called ‘Modi Hug’. It is famous all over the world. When you hug someone deeply, it is not just a show, it is real.
• Emphasizing the symbolic importance of this gesture, he said, ‘I want to return this hug to every member of the Knesset. This is not just an indication of our personal relations, but reflects the warmth and friendship between our two countries.
• Reflecting the strategic strength of both the democracies, Netanyahu said that ‘India is a huge power of about 1.4 billion people. Israel is small in size, but huge in strength. Our partnership is a great multiplier of our individual strengths. It is a multiplier of spirit, work and ability.
• He expressed his gratitude for India’s unwavering support in the Hamas attacks on 7 October 2023 and said, ‘You stood with Israel, stood with the truth. Thank you my friend. Netanyahu described PM Modi as “more than a friend, a brother” and said that the two countries have common interests and trade and cooperation has grown significantly in recent years.