New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi is in Israel on a two-day visit. On Wednesday, he addressed the Israeli Parliament, the Knesset. The atmosphere in the Knesset was remarkable. The entire House reverberated with repeated applause and chants of “Modi, Modi.”
As soon as PM Modi arrived in the Knesset, the Speaker of the Parliament formally welcomed him. The applause continued unabated. Some MPs chanted “Modi, Modi.” Similarly, when Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu arrived in the Knesset, several MPs chanted “Bibi, Bibi.” Parliament reverberated with similar noise for some time. However, during Israeli PM Netanyahu’s address, Israeli opposition leaders left the House, but returned as soon as his speech concluded. All MPs were present during PM Modi’s speech. Initially, there were fears that opposition MPs might be absent during PM Modi’s speech. Some newspapers even reported that former MPs might be called to fill the vacant seats. However, such a situation did not arise.
Prime Minister Modi received several standing ovations during his speech. MPs repeatedly stood up and applauded, expressing their support for his views. It appeared that they agreed with him. As soon as his speech concluded, the entire House once again echoed with chants of “Modi, Modi!”
After PM Modi’s speech, the Speaker shook hands with him again. PM Modi shook hands with the MPs present, including opposition MPs. Many MPs also posed for photographs with PM Modi, and some took selfies. The welcome and respect shown to PM Modi in the Knesset was seen as a symbol of the strengthening ties between India and Israel. Before PM Modi’s address, Speaker Amir Ohana said, “Today, as Speaker of the Knesset, I have the privilege of welcoming him as the first Prime Minister of India to address the Knesset, and I am once again making history. Thank you, Prime Minister Modi.” Ohana said in Hindi, “Welcome to Parliament, Prime Minister Narendra Modi.” Upon his words, PM Modi stood up and applauded him.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Wednesday praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi, calling him “more than a friend” and thanking him for standing with Israel after the horrific attack on October 7, 2023.
Benjamin Netanyahu appeared emotional at the beginning of his address. He said, “Prime Ministers and heads of state come to the Knesset and it is always a moment of excitement for all of us, but my dear friend Narendra, I am particularly moved by your visit. You are a great friend of Israel and a great leader on the world stage, Narendra, you are not just a friend. You are a brother.” “We took off our shoes and walked in the sea water,” Benjamin Netanyahu said, referring to the viral photo of the two leaders walking barefoot on the beach during his first visit to Israel as Prime Minister in 2017. Benjamin Netanyahu highlighted the joint achievements of bilateral relations, saying that trade between the two countries has doubled.
