Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Monday, 14 September 2026, thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his leadership and enduring friendship, responding warmly to Modi's Rosh Hashanah greetings in a public exchange that underscored the depth of India-Israel diplomatic ties.

Netanyahu's Response to Modi

The Office of the Prime Minister of Israel posted on X: "Thank you, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, for your warm wishes to the people of Israel and to me personally. The Jewish New Year provides an occasion to thank you again for your leadership and enduring friendship."

The statement went further, noting: "Together, we've transformed the ties between our ancient civilisations into an unprecedented partnership between two great democracies. Sara and I look forward to seeing you again soon." The reference to seeing Modi "again soon" signals the possibility of an upcoming bilateral meeting, though no date has been officially confirmed.

Modi's Original Rosh Hashanah Greeting

The exchange was set off on Saturday when Prime Minister Modi posted his own greetings on X, writing: "Shana Tova! Wishing a very happy Rosh Hashanah to Prime Minister Netanyahu, the people of Israel and Jewish communities across the globe. May the new year be filled with peace, hope, good health, and continued progress for all."

Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year, is observed as the 'head of the year' and the anniversary of the creation of the world. It is one of the most significant occasions in the Jewish calendar.

President Murmu and President Herzog Exchange Greetings

The diplomatic warmth extended beyond the two prime ministers. Israeli President Isaac Herzog on Sunday called India a "true friend of Israel" while thanking President Droupadi Murmu for her Rosh Hashanah greetings.

Herzog said via X: "Thank you, President Droupadi Murmu, for your good wishes. On behalf of the people of Israel, I extend our deepest gratitude. India is a true friend of Israel. As we begin the Jewish New Year, I wish you and the wonderful people of India peace, prosperity, good health, and harmony. May the deep bond of friendship between our two nations continue to flourish."

President Murmu had conveyed greetings on Saturday through the President's Secretariat on X: "Excellency Isaac Herzog, on behalf of the people of India, I convey heartfelt Rosh Hashanah greetings to you and the Jewish community across Israel and the world. May the new year usher in peace, prosperity, good health and renewed hope for all."

India-Israel Ties: The Broader Context

The exchange is consistent with a pattern of high-level diplomatic engagement between New Delhi and Jerusalem that has intensified since Prime Minister Modi's landmark visit to Israel in 2017 — the first-ever trip by an Indian prime minister to the country. Since then, India and Israel have deepened cooperation across defence, agriculture, water technology, and counter-terrorism.

Notably, the warm messaging comes at a period of continued geopolitical sensitivity in the Middle East, making India's continued and visible engagement with Israel diplomatically significant. New Delhi has historically maintained a careful balance in the region, and public exchanges at this level reflect the current state of bilateral comfort.

With Netanyahu hinting at a face-to-face meeting, observers will watch whether a Modi-Netanyahu summit materialises in the months ahead.