Israel’s ‘blessings’ versus Iran’s ‘curse’ – what does this mean for India? News24 –

Benjamin Netanyahu warns Iran: Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu spoke to the United Nations (UN) on Friday, saying Israel seeks peace even as it fights for survival against “savage enemies” aiming for its destruction. During his speech, Netanyahu showed two maps of the region. One of them was named “Blessing,” showing Israel’s efforts to build infrastructure with partners. The other was called “The Curse,” referring to Iran, Iraq and Syria.

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🇮🇱🇮🇷🇸🇦 Netanyahu, during his speech at the UN, shows a map of the “curse” of the region (the Axis of Resistance) and the “blessing” of the region including Egypt, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Jordan and Sudan. and India, where Israel aims to create a trade corridor after formalizing… pic.twitter.com/EpYJxBmKKb

– Megatron (@Megatron_ron) September 27, 2024

Netanyahu displays map of ‘blessings’ and ‘curses’

In his right hand, Netanyahu held a map of the Middle East showing Iran, Iraq, Syria and Yemen, painted black and labeled “The curse.” In his left hand he had a map with countries like Egypt, Sudan, Saudi Arabia and even India, painted green and titled “The Blessing”.

What stood out most about both maps was the complete absence of Palestine. There was no mention of it nor in the green »blessing» or the black “curse” card.

Netanyahu warns of retaliation, highlights Israeli resilience

“If you attack us, we will fight back,” Netanyahu said. “There is no part of Iran that Israel cannot reach, and that goes for the entire Middle East: rather than being victims, Israeli soldiers fought back with courage and remarkable sacrifices. »

Netanyahu spoke to a mostly empty General Assembly, with some delegates leaving during his speech. However, those who remained applauded loudly. The U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations, Secretary of State Antony Blinken, was noticeably absent as he hosted a global health security event nearby.

He said he almost didn’t attend the UN High Level Week, but felt it was necessary to “set the record straight”, including presenting the choices facing the world is facing.

Netanyahu brought several families of hostages held by Hamas in Gaza to New York and reiterated his call for their release, saying: “I repeat: we remain focused on our sacred mission of bringing our hostages home, and we will do. Don’t stop until this mission is complete.

India’s relations with Israel

In recent years, India and Israel have developed bilateral relations.

India and Israel sign nine agreements

During the Israeli Prime Minister’s visit to India in January 2018, the two countries signed nine agreements covering different sectors, including cybersecurity, oil and gas, solar energy, space science, air transport, medicine and film production.

Past visit of Israeli ministers to India

In April 2023, Israeli Minister of Economy and Industry MP Nir Barkat visited India accompanied by a 15-member business delegation.

Former Israeli Foreign Minister Eli Cohen visited India in May 2023 with a high-level business delegation. FM Cohen co-chaired the India-Israel Business Forum during the visit with Indian Minister Jal Shakti. Israeli Minister of Transport and Road Safety Miri Regev visited India in February 2024.

India-Israel trade ties

The country ranks second among trading partners behind Israel in Asia. The main trade between India and Israel is in diamonds, petroleum products and chemicals. An increase in trade has recently been seen in areas such as electronic machinery, high-tech products, communication systems and medical equipment. India remains an important target for the Israeli government’s efforts to promote trade.

India: Israel’s second largest Asian trading partner

India is Israel’s second largest trading partner in Asia. Although diamonds, petroleum products and chemicals constitute the bulk of trade between the two countries, electronic machinery, high-tech products, communication systems and medical equipment have seen an increase in trade in recent years. years. India has remained one of the Israeli government’s main focuses in boosting trade.

Top exports from India to Israel

Major export items from India to Israel include pearls and precious stones, automobile diesel, chemicals and minerals, electrical machinery and equipment, plastics, textiles and garments, base metals, transport equipment and agricultural products.

Top exports from Israel to India

Israel’s main exports to India include pearls and precious stones, chemicals and minerals/fertilizers, electrical machinery and equipment, petroleum oils, defense equipment and transport machinery.

Chabad house targeted in 26/11 attacks in Mumbai

During the 2008 Mumbai attacks, one of the locations chosen was Nariman House, or “Chabad House.” Six Israeli nationals were tortured mercilessly there, the terrorists having deliberately chosen this location. Among the victims were Rabbi Gavriel Holtzberg and his wife Rivka, who headed the Chabad House. Sandra Samuel, an Indian nanny for the Holtzbergs, took a huge risk in saving their grandson Moshe, aged just two. Tel Aviv offered help to India, which New Delhi politely refused.

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