PM Modi addressed the Israeli Parliament Knesset and talked about giving a new direction to India-Israel relations. Reiterated tough stance on terrorism, praised Abraham Accords. There were mixed reactions in the international media regarding the silence on the Gaza issue.
PM Modi Israel Visit Muslim World Reaction: Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the Israeli Parliament Knesset on the first day of his visit to Israel. On this historic occasion he was awarded the ‘Medal of the Knesset’. This was the first time that an Indian Prime Minister delivered a speech in the Knesset. While delivering a speech in the Knesset, PM Modi mentioned the long-standing cultural and historical relations between India and Israel. Along with this, while adopting a strict stance on terrorism, he also mentioned Israel’s 7 October attacks and 26/11 terrorist attack in Mumbai. Describing the terrorist attacks as ‘barbaric’, Modi said, we stand with Israel in its grief. Killing of innocent civilians cannot be tolerated under any circumstances. In the presence of Netanyahu, Modi also praised the Abraham Accords. Let us know what was the reaction of the Muslim world to Modi’s speech in the Israeli Parliament.
Türkiye’s TRT World report: Hamas condemned, but Gaza not mentioned
Turkish state media TRT World wrote in its report that Modi openly praised Israel in the Knesset, which is being considered a major diplomatic success for Netanyahu amid the Gaza war. Modi embraced Netanyahu, condemned Hamas, but did not mention Gaza. The report said Modi did not comment on the death of thousands of Palestinians due to Israeli action in Gaza and placed more emphasis on condemning the October 2023 attacks.
Al Jazeera: A change from the traditional Palestine policy?
Qatar-based media network Al Jazeera wrote that the visit marks an ideological shift from India’s traditional pro-Palestine policy. The report said the visit prioritized strategic interests and paid relatively little attention to Gaza’s humanitarian crisis. The report also said that both Netanyahu and Modi are considered nationalist and hard-line leaders. Issues like Kashmir, Palestine and West Bank were also mentioned.
Middle East Eye: New direction in foreign policy?
Britain-based portal Middle East Eye wrote, Modi’s speech in the Knesset indicates a different direction from India’s old foreign policy. The report discussed ideological similarities between Hindutva and Zionism. The article said that the visit is important in terms of defense agreements and strategic cooperation, but it was also criticized on social media. Referring to the death of a large number of Palestinians in Gaza and the ongoing cases in the International Court, it was said that India has continued cooperation with Israel.
Palestine Chronicle: Hint of political message
The Palestinians’ Palestine Chronicle wrote that clapping in the Knesset as military operations continue in Gaza is not just a formality, but a clear political message. The report said that the presence of the Prime Minister of a major country amid allegations of war crimes shows that Israel is not completely isolated internationally.
Pakistani newspaper DAWN’s reaction
Pakistan’s leading newspaper Dawn wrote, Modi in his speech did not mention the war going on in Gaza for more than two years and the death of thousands of Palestinians. However, he did say that India supports every effort for peace and stability in the region. The report also mentioned that he did not meet any Palestinian leader during this visit.