PM Modi Conferred with Israel’s Top Parliamentary Honour, Backs Gaza Peace Initiative

Prime Minister Narendra Modi was on Wednesday conferred with the Speaker of the Knesset Medal , the highest honour of the Israeli Parliament, in recognition of his role in strengthening strategic ties between India and Israel. Modi is the first world leader to receive the award, which was presented by Knesset Speaker Amir Ohana following his historic address to the House.

In his speech, Modi asserted that “terrorism anywhere threatens peace everywhere,” reiterating India’s zero-tolerance policy toward terrorism and rejecting any justification for violence against civilians. Expressing condolences for victims of the October 7 attacks, he recalled India’s own experience with terrorism, including the 26/11 Mumbai attacks , and called for sustained and coordinated global action against the menace.

The Prime Minister also voiced firm support for the Gaza Peace Initiative , describing the UN Security Council-endorsed plan as a pathway toward a just and durable peace in the region, including by addressing the Palestine issue. He said India supports dialogue, stability and humanitarian considerations in West Asia.

Earlier, Modi visited Yad Vashem , Israel’s official Holocaust memorial, where he laid a wreath and paid homage to the six million Jews who perished. He described the memorial as a solemn reminder of the dangers of hatred and extremism and reaffirmed India’s commitment to human dignity and remembrance .

In bilateral talks with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu , the two sides elevated ties to a Special Strategic Partnership , agreeing to expand cooperation in defence, critical and emerging technologies, AI, quantum computing, agriculture, space, digital health and innovation , while also moving toward a Free Trade Agreement .

However, the visit drew sharp criticism at home. Mehbooba Mufti , president of the Peoples Democratic Party , said the trip went against India’s moral legacy, calling Netanyahu a “criminal” and arguing that the outreach was “not a good sign for Mahatma Gandhi’s India.”