Following the devastating explosion near Delhi’s Red Fort, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu delivered a powerful message of solidarity on Wednesday, addressing Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the Indian people with words that emphasized the deep bonds between two nations committed to democratic values and mutual security. Netanyahu’s statement articulated a vision of India and Israel as partners united not merely by strategic interests but by fundamental principles and shared experience confronting terrorist threats.
Netanyahu’s message conveyed profound personal sympathy, with the Israeli leader and his wife Sara expressing condolences to families affected by the Monday evening tragedy. The statement transcended conventional diplomatic expressions to articulate genuine empathy rooted in Israel’s own extensive experience with terrorism. Netanyahu’s assurance that “Israel stands strong with you in sorrow and in strength” captured both the immediate emotional response to loss and the longer-term commitment to partnership in addressing security challenges through intelligence sharing, technological cooperation, and diplomatic coordination.
The Israeli Prime Minister’s characterization of India and Israel as ancient civilizations provided historical context for their contemporary alliance. Netanyahu’s assertion that both nations “stand on eternal truths” suggested that their partnership draws upon millennia of cultural development and accumulated wisdom. His declaration that “terror may strike our cities, but it will never shake our souls” represented both defiance and confidence, articulating a belief that material destruction cannot overcome spiritual resilience embedded in these societies over countless generations. The metaphor of light outshining darkness conveyed optimism about democratic societies’ capacity to withstand and ultimately prevail over violent extremism.
Indian security agencies have launched comprehensive investigation into the blast, with the National Investigation Agency assuming control after the Ministry of Home Affairs formally recognized the terrorist nature of the attack. Intelligence sources indicate that the explosion resulted from operations by a Jaish-e-Mohammad terrorist cell, prompting investigators to examine potential connections to broader networks. The NIA has organized a specialized investigative team supervised by senior officers, with mandates including determining whether the blast was intentional or accidental and identifying all individuals involved in planning and executing the attack. This coordinated approach involves collaboration between multiple security organizations at central and state levels.
International solidarity with India following the Red Fort blast reflects global recognition of terrorism as a shared challenge requiring multilateral cooperation. Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar had previously offered condolences and emphasized Israel’s support for India’s counter-terrorism efforts, while wishing recovery to those injured in the explosion. The incident occurred near the Subhash Marg traffic signal when a slow-moving Hyundai i20 exploded around 7 pm, causing casualties and damaging multiple vehicles in a historically significant area of Delhi. As investigations progress and the full scope of the attack becomes clear, the incident underscores both ongoing security challenges and the importance of international partnerships in addressing them effectively.