'Nothing To Do With You': Israeli Opposition On Knesset Walkout Ahead Of PM Modi's Speech

Last Updated:February 25, 2026, 22:43 IST

Israeli opposition leader Yair Lapid welcomed Prime Minister Modi into the Knesset, saying that the walkout had nothing to do with his visit.

The Israeli opposition staged a walkout from the Knesset ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s speech due to Speaker Amir Ohana’s decision due to his decision not to invite Supreme Court President Isaac Amit to the address. However, they returned to the plenum during Modi’s speech, saying their protest had nothing to do with the Indian PM.

Opposition parties Yesh Atid, Yisrael Beiteinu and the Democrats boycotted Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s speech in the Knesset, but the parties made it clear that they won’t boycott PM Modi’s speech, calling him “one of the most important international leaders and a true friend of Israel."

After Netanyahu concluded his speech, opposition leader Yair Lapid entered the plenum and shook Prime Minister Modi’s hand to welcome him into the Parliament. “Mr Prime Minister, I am only going to take a moment of your time to make sure you know that whatever happened here today has nothing to do with you," he said.

These remarks drew boos from coalition lawmakers, to which Lapid replied, “Let’s try not to make things worse."

“The entire State of Israel is filled with admiration for your leadership, for your friendship, for the fact that you were here for us in our time of trouble, and for the alliance, the eternal alliance between our two states," he told Modi. “Thank you very much for being here. And we are all, both sides of the aisle, looking forward to hearing your speech."

ALSO READ: ‘Nothing Can Justify Terrorism’: PM Modi Condemns Oct 7 Attacks, Says India Stands With Israel

Taking to X, Lapid wrote, “Prime Minister of India Modi, the entire country of Israel appreciates your leadership, your friendship, and the fact that you stood by our side in difficult times. Thank you for coming here."

According to a report by Haaretz, the Israeli opposition planned to boycott the session in a standoff with the Knesset speaker over his decision not to invite Supreme Court President Isaac Amit to attend the special session, as is customary.

The decision not to invite Amit is part of the Netanyahu government’s efforts to challenge the authority of Supreme Court President Yitzhak Amit and Attorney General Gali Baharav-Miara, alongside its push to overhaul the powers of Israel’s judiciary. Last month, opposition parties did not enter the special plenum session marking the anniversary of the Knesset’s founding, following Ohana’s decision not to invite Amit to attend.

However, Ohana urged Lapid not to harm Israel’s foreign relations with “one of the most significant powers in the world," terming the boycott an “illegitimate weapon in a political struggle". However, the opposition has denied these allegations and tried to clarify that it is not opposed to India or Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

News world 'Nothing To Do With You': Israeli Opposition On Knesset Walkout Ahead Of PM Modi's Speech

Read More