At the opening of the cabinet meeting, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu confirmed the official visit to Israel by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, expected on Wednesday. He presented this trip as a new step in a "historic" partnership between Jerusalem and New Delhi, marked, according to him, by a constant strengthening of political, economic, and security ties.
The head of government emphasized the strength of the alliance with the United States, referring to the "unique" nature of the bilateral relationship and his discussions with the president. Donald TrumpHe did, however, stress the need for Israel to expand its network of international partners in a changing regional and global context.
Benjamin Netanyahu outlined a strategic vision based on the creation of a "comprehensive system of alliances," likened to a "hexagon" encompassing countries from Asia, the Arab world, Africa, and the Eastern Mediterranean, including Greece and Cyprus. The stated objective is to structure a group of states sharing common security interests in the face of what he termed "radical axes" of Shiite and Sunni Islam, deemed destabilizing for the region.
Narendra Modi's visit is expected to include a speech at the Knesset, an innovation event in Jerusalem, and a joint visit to Yad Vashem. Netanyahu has emphasized technological cooperation, citing high technology, artificial intelligence, and quantum technologies as key strategic areas for Israel's power and competitiveness.
Domestically, the Prime Minister also announced the acceleration of several infrastructure projects, including the simultaneous construction of new airports and the streamlining of administrative procedures. He confirmed plans for a new settlement in the Negev, near Kiryat Gat, intended for the Orthodox population, to accommodate demographic growth and bolster development in the south of the country.
According to Netanyahu, these initiatives are part of a comprehensive strategy to "guarantee Israel's strength and future" in a changing regional environment.
