Divided Israeli parties unite to welcome PM Modi
Times of India
by TNNFebruary 25, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
PM Modi's visit to Israel marked a rare moment of unity in its often-divided political landscape, with leaders from across the aisle welcoming him. Prime Minister Netanyahu and his wife Sara personally greeted Modi at the airport, a gesture underscoring the strong bonds between the two nations. During his visit, Modi became the first recipient of the prestigious "Speaker of the Knesset Medal," the highest honor awarded by the Israeli parliament. The ceremony was marked by bipartisan consensus, with chants of "Modi, Modi" and a standing ovation from members of the Knesset, despite Israel's internal political tensions.
The visit highlighted India's growing influence in the region, driven by decades of collaboration in areas such as defense, technology, agriculture, and innovation. Netanyahu praised Modi for his leadership and emphasized the deepening partnership between the two democracies. The warm reception also included cultural touches, such as The Jerusalem Post dedicating its front page to the visit with the Hindi greeting "Namaste" alongside the Hebrew "Shalom," symbolizing the friendship between the nations.
Modi's visit came at a time of heightened regional tensions following the Hamas attack in October 2023. Despite these challenges, both leaders focused on strengthening bilateral ties and fostering
Verticals
worldasia
Originally published on Times of India on 2/25/2026