Turmoil in Israeli Parliament Ahead of PM Modi’s Address: Opposition Threatens Boycott

Tel Aviv: Tensions are brewing in Israel’s Knesset ahead of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s scheduled address. Opposition parties have announced they will boycott Modi’s speech, creating an awkward situation for Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government.

The Controversy

The dispute began when Knesset Speaker Amir Ohana decided not to invite the Supreme Court President to a special parliamentary session. Opposition leaders argued that the Netanyahu government was sidelining the judiciary, making it impossible for them to participate in Modi’s address under these circumstances.

The potential boycott has put Modi’s visit in a delicate position. Having half of the Israeli Parliament empty during a speech by a close ally could send the wrong message. Israeli broadcaster KAN News reported that Speaker Ohana is now planning to invite former parliamentarians to fill empty seats.

Opposition Stresses No Anti-India Sentiment

The opposition has denied any intent to target India or Prime Minister Modi. Yair Lapid tweeted that they wish to participate in the session, urging Netanyahu to ensure the Supreme Court President is invited so that the opposition can attend. Lapid previously stated in the Knesset that “the opposition does not want to embarrass India.”

Questions Over the Boycott

Observers have noted that similar situations arose in the past when Argentine President Javier Milei and U.S. President Donald Trump addressed the Knesset, yet the opposition attended those sessions. This has raised questions about the consistency and timing of the current boycott.

Speaker Ohana described the opposition’s threat as an inappropriate political tool, cautioning that it could harm Israel’s relationship with India, one of the world’s largest democracies. He suggested that Lapid should explain to the Indian Embassy why previous leaders’ addresses were attended, while Modi’s is being boycotted.

The Supreme Court Dispute

The underlying issue stems from January 2025, when Yitzhak Amik was appointed Supreme Court President. Tensions between Amik and the Netanyahu government have persisted, with Justice Minister Yariv Levin refusing to recognize Amik’s authority and even declining to meet him officially. The Supreme Court President has previously been excluded from several Knesset events, including addresses by world leaders, contributing to the current boycott.