Prime Minister Narendra Modi has achieved a rare diplomatic milestone by becoming the first leader to receive Israel’s highest parliamentary honour, Speaker of the Knesset. The award further highlights his rare distinction of being recognized with the highest awards by both Israel and Palestine, after receiving the Grand Collar of the State of Palestine in 2018.
Knesset Speaker Amir Ohana presented Prime Minister Modi with the Knesset Speaker’s Medal – Israel’s parliament’s highest honor – on Wednesday (25 February). He is the first leader to receive this medal, awarded for his “outstanding contribution” to strengthening strategic ties between India and Israel.
A warm welcome and Netanyahu’s remarks
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu described the relationship as a “wonderful friendship”.
“It is a wonderful friendship, both between the two of us personally, and between our two countries and our peoples,” Netanyahu said.
He also mentioned the widely known ‘Modi hug’ and called it a symbol of real warmth.
“When you give someone a big hug, you really know it’s not an act. It’s a real thing. It’s called a Modi hug.”
Netanyahu thanked Modi for supporting India after the October 7, 2023 attacks: “You stood by Israel… Thank you my friend.”
PM Modi received a standing ovation and chants of “Modi, Modi” echoed through the hall.
Historic reception in the Knesset
During the ceremony, Speaker Amir Ohana said: “Today it is my great privilege… to welcome him as the first Indian Prime Minister to address the Knesset and make history once again.
Netanyahu attended the official reception accompanied by his wife Sara Netanyahu.
The visit followed Prime Minister Modi’s arrival in Tel Aviv on a two-day state visit aimed at deepening bilateral cooperation.
The highest Palestinian honor in 2018
In 2018, Prime Minister Modi received the Grand Collar of the State of Palestine from President Mahmoud Abbas – the highest honor Palestine bestows on foreign leaders.
The medal recognized his efforts to strengthen Indo-Palestinian relations and his support for Palestinian aspirations.
The large collar has previously been awarded to world leaders including Saudi Arabia’s King Salman and Chinese President Xi Jinping.
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Address to the Knesset: Anti-Terrorism Report
Addressing the Israeli parliament, Prime Minister Modi reaffirmed India’s stance on terrorism and regional peace.
PM Modi also referred to India’s experience with the 11/26 Mumbai attacks and expressed condolences to the victims of the October 7 Hamas attack.
“We remember the 26/11 Mumbai attacks and the innocent lives lost, including those of Israeli citizens. Like you, we have a consistent and uncompromising policy of zero tolerance for terrorism with no double standards,” PM Modi said.
“Terrorism aims to destabilize societies, block development and erode trust. The fight against terrorism requires sustained and coordinated global action as terror threatens peace everywhere. Therefore, India supports all efforts that contribute to lasting peace and regional stability,” he said.
Supporting peace efforts in Gaza
The prime minister expressed support for the Gaza peace initiative approved by the UN Security Council.
“The Gaza Peace Initiative … offers a path,” he said. “We believe it is the promise of a just and lasting peace.”
He emphasized India’s commitment to dialogue and stability in the region.
Prime Minister Modi’s visit marks his second trip to Israel in the last nine years.
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