Israeli opposition clarifies Knesset walkout ahead of PM Modi's speech: 'Nothing to do with you'

Prime Minister Narendra Modi

• Israeli opposition walked out before Netanyahu's Knesset speech
• They returned to attend PM Modi's speech, showing respect
• Modi received the Speaker of the Knesset Medal for his efforts

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Israeli opposition leaders on Wednesday staged a walkout from the Knesset ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s speech amid a standoff over the exclusion of Supreme Court president Isaac Amit from the special legislative session.

Opposition parties Yesh Atid, Yisrael Beiteinu and the Democrats skipped Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s speech in the Knesset to protest over the exclusion.

Opposition leader Yair Lapid re-entered the Parliament after Netanyahu’s speech, welcomed Prime Minister Modi and assured that it had “nothing to do with you”.

The remarks drew boos from coalition lawmakers, to which Lapid replied, “Let’s try not to make things worse."

“The entire State of Israel is filled with admiration for your leadership, for your friendship, for the fact that you were here for us in our time of trouble, and for the alliance, the eternal alliance between our two states," he told Modi.

“Thank you very much for being here. And we are all, both sides of the aisle, looking forward to hearing your speech."

Earlier, several opposition parties had released statements, mentioning that they would not attend Netanyahu’s address and would only re-enter the plenum when Modi speaks.

“In light of Amir Ohana’s disgraceful decision to boycott Supreme Court President Justice Amit and not invite him to the ceremonial meeting with the prime minister of India, contrary to all accepted procedure, it was decided to uphold the decision to leave the plenary session in order not to be partners in the boycott,” the opposition’s Yesh Atid and Yisrael Beytenu parties said in identical statements, according to a report by Times of Israel.

“We will only return for the Indian prime minister’s speech to respect the alliance between the countries and express our appreciation for Prime Minister Modi’s standing by Israel.”

Meanwhile, Modi was on Wednesday conferred with the 'Speaker of the Knesset Medal' in recognition of his exceptional contribution to strengthening strategic relations between India and Israel.