Daijiworld Media Network – New Delhi

New Delhi, Jul 6: The Congress on Monday launched a sharp attack on Prime Minister Narendra Modi, accusing him of maintaining "stony silence" over Israel's military actions and describing it as a betrayal of India's civilisational values.

The opposition party's criticism came after Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu claimed that Israel enjoyed strong support from India while responding to remarks by US Vice President JD Vance suggesting that the United States remained Israel's only powerful ally.

Congress general secretary in-charge of communications Jairam Ramesh rejected Netanyahu's assertion, saying the Israeli leader was mistaken in portraying India as backing Israel's actions.

Ramesh alleged that while Netanyahu might perceive support from the Indian government, millions of Indians opposed what he described as Israel's actions in Gaza, the occupied West Bank, Iran and southern Lebanon.

He further accused the Prime Minister of remaining silent on the developments, calling it a betrayal of India's civilisational ethos and values.

Ramesh also said that receiving praise from Netanyahu was "no badge of honour", claiming that the Israeli Prime Minister himself had faced growing criticism internationally.

Netanyahu, in an interview with Fox News, said Israel had the support of several countries, including India.

"We have some other friends, like a small country called India... it has 1.4 billion people and we have tremendous support there," he said.

Referring to social media, Netanyahu also claimed he was receiving overwhelming support from India through Facebook.

His remarks came in response to comments made last month by US Vice President Vance, who had said Israel should respect ongoing US-Iran peace negotiations.

Speaking at a White House briefing, Vance had remarked that if he were part of the Israeli Cabinet, he would not criticise "the only powerful ally" Israel had left, referring to the United States.