Congress MP Jairam Ramesh on Monday rejected Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's assertion that Israel enjoys 'tremendous support' in India, calling the claim incorrect and emphasizing that Prime Minister Narendra Modi's stance should not be mistaken for the views of the Indian people.
Ramesh Challenges Netanyahu's Claim
Ramesh's remarks followed comments by US Vice President JD Vance, who, according to Ramesh, said Israel no longer had a powerful ally apart from the United States. Netanyahu responded by saying Israel continued to enjoy strong support in India. 'Mr. Netanyahu is wrong,' Ramesh stated.
The Congress leader alleged that while Netanyahu has the backing of the 'Modani empire' and claimed that Modi remains 'blindly devoted' to the Israeli leader, crores of Indians condemn Israel's actions in Gaza, the occupied West Bank, Iran, and Lebanon.
Accusations of Genocide
Ramesh accused Israel of carrying out 'genocide' in Gaza, alleging that even children had not been spared. He also referenced the displacement of Palestinians in the occupied West Bank, Israeli air strikes in Iran including targeted assassinations, and its military offensive in southern Lebanon, describing them as 'assaults on humanity itself.'
He further criticized the Prime Minister for not speaking out against Israel's actions. 'The self-styled, award-hungry Vishwaguru's stony silence on Israel's actions is a betrayal of India's civilisational ethos and values. It is simply unconscionable,' Ramesh said.
Netanyahu's Isolation
Ramesh also stated that receiving a 'certificate' from Netanyahu was 'no badge of honour,' claiming that the Israeli Prime Minister himself is becoming increasingly isolated and has drawn frustration and anger even from US President Donald Trump, whom Ramesh described as a friend of Modi.
