Daijiworld Media Network - Jerusalem
Jerusalem, Nov 12: Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Tuesday expressed solidarity with India following the deadly blast near Delhi’s Red Fort that claimed nine lives and left 20 injured on Monday evening.
“To our dear friend Narendra Modi and to the brave people of India: Sara and I, and the people of Israel, send our deepest condolences to the families of the victims. Israel stands strong with you in sorrow and in strength in this time,” Netanyahu wrote on X.
Calling India and Israel “ancient civilisations bound by an unyielding spirit,” Netanyahu said both nations have faced the scourge of terrorism with resilience. “Terror may strike our cities, but it will never shake our souls. The light of our nations will outshine the darkness of our enemies,” he added.
According to sources, the terror plot—planned by Pakistan-based Jaish-e-Mohammed—was aimed at multiple high-profile locations in Delhi, including the Red Fort, India Gate, Constitution Club, and the Gauri Shankar Temple, as well as public hubs like railway stations and malls across the NCR region.
Officials have identified the suicide bomber as Dr Umar Nabi from Pulwama, who died in the explosion. Three others—Dr Shaheen Saeed, Dr Muzammil Shakeel Ganale, and Dr Adeel Rather—are in custody for their suspected involvement in the conspiracy.
Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar also offered condolences, stating, “I extend my & Israel’s deepest condolences to the people of India and especially to the families of the innocent victims killed in the blast at the heart of Delhi.” He wished a speedy recovery to the injured and reaffirmed Israel’s commitment to stand by India in its fight against terror.
Israeli Ambassador to India Reuven Azar described the attack as “heartbreaking,” praising the quick response of rescuers and security forces. “Heartbreaking scenes in Delhi following the car blast, resulting in so many dead and injured. Our deepest condolences to the families of the victims. Wishing speedy recovery to those who survived,” Azar said on X.
The blast, reportedly orchestrated to mirror the 2008 Mumbai-style attacks, has once again highlighted the persistent cross-border terror threat targeting India’s major cities.