Prime Minister Narendra Modi will get a “unique“ welcome at Tel Aviv’s Ben Gurion airport when he lands on Tuesday afternoon, Israeli officials said.The reception party at the airport includes heads of major religious sects.
At the Israeli foreign office on Monday, Mark Sofer, director for Asia-Pacific and the person in charge of organising the Modi visit, categorically said that unlike many countries, Israel was very open in its support to India on fighting terrorism. “Israel has supported India both in its general battle against terrorism, as well as the groups operating out of Pakistan. Unlike many countries, we have not hesitated to openly support India on this. We find no difference between LeT and Hamas. We both share the struggle against the forces of evil,“ he said.
But Modi remained clear that despite his views on Israel, he was committed to the Indian view of a two-state solution. Responding to a question whether India would move its embassy to Jerusalem, he said, “We will take a decision on that after both sides have come to an agreement on Jerusalem.“
