PM Modi will address the Israeli parliament; Speaker said 'the house will not be empty'
Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to address the Knesset in Israel during his two-day visit on February 25.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to visit Israel for two days starting February 25, during which he is expected to address the Knesset, the Israeli parliament. This visit comes amidst tensions, as the opposition in Israel has threatened to boycott the Prime Minister's address unless certain conditions are met, including the invitation of the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court to the session. Meirav Ben-Ari, a member of the opposition party Yesh Atid, has voiced strong opposition against Modi's address without fulfilling these protocol conditions.
In response to the threats from the opposition, Knesset Speaker Amir Ohana assured that there will not be empty seats during Modi's address, indicating that he plans to fill the empty seats with former members of the Knesset to ensure full attendance. This decision underscores the importance of the event for the Israeli government and highlights the political dynamics at play, reflecting tensions between the ruling coalition and the opposition regarding India's Prime Minister's visit.
The opposition leader Yair Lapid urged fellow lawmakers to consider the implications of their actions, suggesting that boycotting Modi's address would embarrass India. The situation showcases the delicate balance in Israeli politics while also emphasizing the significance of international relations, particularly with a major partner like India. As Modi's visit draws near, the unfolding political discourse could have ramifications for both Israeli and Indian diplomatic ties.