26.02.2026 08:42
During Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to the Knesset, Netanyahu referred to World War I, stating, "During World War I, when we were under Ottoman occupation, among those who helped us to liberate ourselves was the British Army. There were brave Indians who fought like lions. When the forces were repelled, who stepped forward? Indian commanders. They gave their lives for us."
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu made a striking speech in the Knesset during Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Israel.
REMEMBERING THE PERIOD OF WORLD WAR I
Netanyahu referred to the historical background of the relations between the two countries, reminding of the period of World War I. In his speech, Netanyahu stated: "During World War I, while we were still under Ottoman occupation, there were those who helped us liberate this country. Among them was the British army, which included Jewish fighters such as the first Jewish battalion, including Jabotinsky."
"THERE WERE BRAVE INDIAN SOLDIERS AND COMMANDERS"
But there were also brave Indian soldiers and commanders who fought like lions in the battle for the liberation of Haifa. In the battle for the liberation of Haifa, our forces were pushed back; but who stepped forward and gave their lives for this cause? Indian commanders... We will never forget this. They sacrificed their lives."
HIS WORDS CAUGHT ATTENTION
Netanyahu's words stood out as a strong emphasis on the historical ties between the two countries during Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit.