WhatsApp-Organized Assault on Indian Workers in Israel Revealed by Israeli Broadcaster
The Israeli Public Broadcasting Corporation (KAN) released a video report on February 16 detailing a disturbing attack on two Indian workers in the city of Ashkelon. According to the broadcaster, the assault was meticulously planned and coordinated through private WhatsApp messages before being executed in broad daylight.
Graphic Footage Shows Premeditated Ambush
The footage from KAN shows at least two men being violently assaulted by a group of attackers in what appears to be a public park setting. Hebrew captions accompanying the video described the incident as a "premeditated" ambush that was "driven by racism and malice."
KAN's investigative report alleged that the attackers used private messaging platforms to plan their assault before specifically targeting Indian workers in the neighborhood. "Driven by racism and malice, a group of rioters from the south of the country plotted an attack, targeting the Indian workers in the neighborhood, and beat them violently in the heart of a public park," the broadcaster stated in their report.
Swift International Condemnation and Response
Following the release of the report, the Israeli Embassy in India issued a strong condemnation of the assault, calling it "absolutely unacceptable." In a post on social media platform X, the embassy confirmed that law enforcement had already taken action, stating: "The Israeli police have caught the perpetrators and will bring them to justice."
Indian political figures also responded to the incident. Congress leader Pawan Khera described the attack as a "premeditated racist assault" and urged External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar to verify the victims' condition and ensure they receive adequate, free medical care if needed.
Context of Increased Indian Workforce in Israel
Ashkelon, a city in southern Israel located near the Gaza Strip, has recently experienced a significant increase in Indian workers. This demographic shift occurred after Israel suspended work permits for thousands of Palestinian workers following the October 7, 2023 Hamas attack.
To address the resulting labor shortage, particularly in construction and hospitality sectors, Israel launched recruitment drives in India. This policy change has brought thousands of Indian workers to Israeli cities like Ashkelon, creating new demographic dynamics in the region.
Timing Ahead of High-Level Diplomatic Visit
The assault comes at a sensitive diplomatic moment, just ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's scheduled two-day visit to Israel beginning February 25. During this visit, bilateral cooperation, labor mobility agreements, and regional developments are expected to be key discussion topics between the two nations.
The incident highlights the challenges facing Indian workers abroad and raises questions about their safety and protection in foreign countries. It also underscores the complex social dynamics in regions experiencing rapid demographic changes due to international labor policies.
