PM Modi receives Israel's top Knesset Medal first for any foreign leader. Speech backs Gaza peace, honors past Palestine award, boosts strategic ties.
From Airport Cheers to Knesset Applause: Modi Bags Israel’s Parliament Prize (Image: X)
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.
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
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.
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) February 25, 2026
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
A: Knesset Speaker Amir Ohana presented it after PM Modi's parliament speech.
A: It is the Knesset's highest honor. PM Modi is the first foreign leader to receive it.
A: The Grand Collar of the State of Palestine in 2018, their top foreign dignitary prize.
A: July 2017, when India-Israel ties became a strategic partnership.
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.
