Prime Minister Narendra Modi received Israel’s highest parliamentary honor on Wednesday. Knesset Speaker Amir Ohana presented the Speaker of the Knesset Medal after PM Modi’s address to Israel’s parliament. The award marks PM Modi as the first foreign leader to earn this distinction. It honors his work to build stronger ties between India and Israel.
Why Did Israel Award PM Modi This Medal?
The medal recognizes PM Modi’s personal leadership. He helped turn India-Israel relations into a full strategic partnership. This covers defense, security, technology, and people exchanges. The official citation praises his sustained engagement with Israel’s leaders.
PM Modi got the medal right after speaking to the Knesset. Speaker Ohana handed it over in a formal ceremony. The event highlights deep bilateral bonds. PM Modi’s efforts started gaining notice during his 2017 Israel visit.
#WATCH | Jerusalem, Israel: Israel Parliament confers “Speaker of the Knesset Medal” upon Prime Minister Narendra Modi
This is the highest honour of the Knesset. The medal is being conferred in recognition of PM’s exceptional contribution – through his personal leadership – to… pic.twitter.com/RAR1AO6n1j
— ANI (@ANI) February 25, 2026
What Did PM Modi Say After Getting the Medal?
PM Modi called it a team effort, not a solo win. “I am deeply honoured to receive the Medal of the Knesset,” Modi posted on X. “I accept it with humility and gratitude. This honour is not a tribute to an individual, but to the enduring friendship between India and Israel.”
I am deeply honoured to receive the Medal of the Knesset.
I accept it with humility and gratitude.
This honour is not a tribute to an individual, but to the enduring friendship between India and Israel.
It reflects the shared values that guide our two nations.@KnessetENG https://t.co/OGtBMTsLuC pic.twitter.com/6H6Dt9sP6v
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) February 25, 2026
PM Modi stressed shared values between the nations. He sees the medal as a symbol of that bond. His message went out right after the ceremony. Fans and officials shared it widely online.
How Rare Is PM Modi’s Dual Honor Record?
PM Modi stands among a select group. In 2018, Palestine gave him the Grand Collar of the State. That is their highest honor for outsiders. It thanked his support for their cause. This Knesset Medal is Israel’s parliament top award. Together, they show India’s even-handed West Asia role. PM Modi balances ties with both sides. No other major leader matches this feat.
What Key Points Came in PM Modi’s Knesset Speech?
PM Modi backed the Trump administration’s Gaza Peace Initiative. PM Modi said it promises just peace for the region. “The Gaza Peace Initiative holds the promise of a just and durable peace for all the people of the region,” he told lawmakers.
India supports dialogue and stability there. PM Modi applauded past Abraham Accords. He noted new challenges have arisen since. India stands by Israel in tough times. The speech marked a historic first for an Indian PM.
What Led Up to This Jerusalem Visit?
He landed at Ben Gurion Airport earlier that day. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu greeted him. Netanyahu’s wife Sara joined the welcome. Cheers filled the air as PM Modi arrived. This marks PM Modi’s second Israel trip in nine years. His 2017 visit lifted ties to strategic level. Wednesday’s medal caps that progress. Both nations eye more defense and tech work.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Who gave PM Modi the Knesset Medal?
A: Knesset Speaker Amir Ohana presented it after PM Modi’s parliament speech.
Q: What makes this medal special?
A: It is the Knesset’s highest honor. PM Modi is the first foreign leader to receive it.
Q: Which Palestine award did PM Modi get?
A: The Grand Collar of the State of Palestine in 2018, their top foreign dignitary prize.
Q: When was PM Modi’s first Israel visit?
A: July 2017, when India-Israel ties became a strategic partnership.
Q: What did PM Modi say about Gaza peace?
A: He praised the Trump-led Gaza Peace Initiative as a path to lasting regional stability.
Disclaimer: This information is based on inputs from news agency reports. TSG does not independently confirm the information provided by the relevant sources.
