New Delhi | Congress MP Jairam Ramesh on Wednesday launched a scathing attack on Prime Minister Narendra Modi ahead of his visit to Israel. Referring to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, he said that PM Modi was displaying moral cowardice at a time when the entire world was criticizing his dear friend.
In a post on the social media platform X, Ramesh recalled the actions taken by previous governments in support of Palestine. He pointed out that on May 20, 1960, Jawaharlal Nehru visited Gaza and met with the Indian UN contingent there. He also recalled that India issued a commemorative postage stamp on November 29, 1981, to show solidarity with Palestine. Subsequently, on November 18, 1988, India formally recognized Palestine as a country. Ramesh wrote, “That was a different era. Now the Indian Prime Minister is openly embracing the Israeli Prime Minister. Netanyahu has reduced Gaza to rubble and dust and is conspiring to expand illegal settlements. When the whole world is criticizing Netanyahu, Modi must be showing moral cowardice.”
Earlier, Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra also appealed to PM Modi. She said that when the PM speaks in the Israeli Parliament (Knesset), he should also discuss the Gaza conflict. Priyanka wrote, “I hope PM Modi will mention the massacre of thousands of innocent people killed in Gaza and demand justice for them. India has always stood for truth and peace.”
Prime Minister Narendra Modi will be on a state visit to Israel on February 25th and 26th. This visit is taking place at the invitation of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. This is Modi’s second visit to Israel. Previously, in 2017, he became the first Indian Prime Minister to visit there.
During this visit, there will be a meeting between PM Modi and Netanyahu. Both leaders will review the partnership between India and Israel. They will discuss increasing cooperation in areas like science, technology, defense, security, agriculture, water management, trade and economy. According to the Ministry of External Affairs, both leaders will also discuss regional and global issues. PM Modi will also meet Israeli President Isaac Herzog. Israeli PM Netanyahu had described this visit as historic on Sunday. He said that this partnership is continuously touching new heights.
