Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Press Trust of India file photo
Congress on Monday demanded the government's reply on the reported remarks of the Israeli Prime Minister on the reasons Prime Minister Narendra Modi gave for skipping Palestine on his recent visit to the Jewish.
Raising the issue in Rajya Sabha, Congress Deputy Leader, Anand Sharma, who gave a notice under rule 267 seeking suspension of listed business of the day to discuss the subject, said it was the Prime Minister's prerogative to visit any country and he had delinked his visit to Israel with Palestine.
Sharma said an audio released by an Israeli newspaper stated that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, during a closed-door session with leaders from Hungary, the Czech Republic, Poland and Slovakia, had told them that Modi chose the Jewish state to get technology and water and, in the process ignored Palestine.
In the conversation relayed on a 'hot-mic', Netanyahu told the European leaders in Budapest that Modi told him that he needed water for his people which he cannot get from Ramallah, he said.
India has always stood in solidarity Palestine, Sharma said adding that the comments made by the Prime Minister in private conversation involve "dignity of the office". A K Anthony (Congress) said this has far-reaching implications. "It is not a small issue."
As the Congress members sought a response from the government, Kurien said: "It is up to the government whether to respond or not." Kurien also not allowed the notice.
Modi visited Israel from July 4 to 6 but skipped Palestine, departing from the convention of Indian leaders visiting both countries on the same trip.