'Absolutely unacceptable': Israel condemns 'racially motivated' attack on 2 Indian workers in Ashkelon
Times of India
by TOI NEWS DESKFebruary 19, 2026
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Israel has strongly condemned a racially motivated attack on two Indian workers in Ashkelon, calling the incident "absolutely unacceptable." The Israeli embassy in India issued a statement on X, confirming that the perpetrators have been apprehended and will face justice. The victims were reportedly beaten in Ashkelon, a city near Tel Aviv, with Israeli media describing the assault as a targeted, racially driven act.
Indian politician Pawan Khera raised concerns over the attack, urging External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar to intervene. He criticized India's failure to provide adequate employment opportunities at home, which he said has forced Indian laborers to seek work abroad. Khera also questioned whether Prime Minister Narendra Modi would address the issue of racism and violence against Indian nationals during his upcoming visit to Israel.
The attack comes amid a broader diplomatic context. India recently chose not to join over 80 countries in criticizing Israeli settlement expansion in the occupied West Bank at the United Nations. This decision has drawn attention, as it coincides with growing concerns about the safety of Indian workers in Israel and the need for stronger diplomatic action to protect their rights. The incident highlights tensions between labor migration, international relations, and racial discrimination, making it a pressing issue for readers interested in global affairs and India's role on the world stage.
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Originally published on Times of India on 2/19/2026