PM Modi congratulates Lapid for assuming Israeli premiership

Israel’s Parliament voted to dissolve itself and send the country to the polls in November for the fifth time in less than four years. Yair Lapid became the country’s caretaker Prime Minister just after midnight on Friday. He took over from Naftali Bennett, Israel’s shortest serving Prime Minister. Lapid was Israel’s foreign minister and architect of the outgoing coalition government, Prime minister. Lapid’s term leading the country could be a fairly short one, as he takes over a caretaker government ahead of national elections on November 1. But the new prime minister appeared determined to make the most of the potentially brief tenure, and bolster his prospects of winning a full term in four months’ time. Narendra Modi  congratulated Yair Lapid for assuming the premiership of Israel and said he looks forward to furthering the bilateral strategic partnership as the two countries celebrate 30 years of full diplomatic relations.

Warm wishes and heartiest congratulations to His Excellency @yairlapid for assuming the premiership of Israel. I look forward to continue furthering our strategic partnership as we celebrate 30 years of full diplomatic relations.

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) July 1, 2022

Lapid reciprocated by saying that India is an “important partner” and a “close friend of Israel”, and he looks forward to working together to deepen this friendship. Modi also tweeted to Naftali Bennett. “Thank you His Excellency @naftalibennett for being a true friend of India. I cherish our fruitful interactions and wish you success in your new role,” he said in another tweet. Bennet replied, “Thank you my dear friend. To a long and strong friendship.”