Israel opposition leader Yair Lapid 'apologises' to PM Modi after Parliament walkout

Tel Aviv: A bizarre situation arose in Israel's parliament, the Knesset, on Wednesday when opposition lawmakers walked out of the chamber just before Prime Minister Narendra Modi's address. However, this protest was not directed against PM Modi, but against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and the Knesset Speaker.

Why the controversy?

The root of the controversy was Knesset Speaker Amir Ohana's decision not to invite Supreme Court President Justice Isaac Amit to PM Modi's special session. The opposition boycotted Netanyahu's speech, calling it an "insult to constitutional decorum." However, as PM Modi's address approached, all lawmakers, led by opposition leader Yair Lapid, returned.

What did Yair Lapid tell PM Modi?

Opposition leader Yair Lapid, upon returning to the chamber, specifically shook hands with PM Modi and clarified, "Our walkout was not related to you." Lapid further said, "All of Israel admires your leadership and standing with us in times of crisis." This alliance between India and Israel is eternal.

Amidst the uproar from ruling party MPs, Lapid said that people from both sides (ruling and opposition) were excited to hear PM Modi. Benny Gantz's party also condemned the Speaker's behavior but made a presence in the House out of respect for the Indian Prime Minister.

Opposition parties, including Yesh Atid and Yisrael Beytenu, issued a statement saying they would not attend Prime Minister Netanyahu's address and would only return to the House during Prime Minister Modi's speech to honor the India-Israel partnership. Opposition leaders alleged that internal politics had dragged a major global leader into the controversy, undermining the dignity of the Knesset. However, they reiterated their respect for Prime Minister Modi and India-Israel relations.