External Affairs Minister (EAM) S Jaishankar spoke with Israel’s Foreign Minister Eli Cohen on Tuesday, in what is being viewed as India’s diplomatic efforts to see that the crisis is resolved through dialogue and diplomacy. New Delhi wants the crisis to be defused peacefully without violence and killing of innocent people. Significantly, Jaishankar talked to his Israel counterpart two days after Palestinian Prime Minister Mohammad Shatayyeh. During the telephonic talks, EAM Jaishankar reviewed the current situation in the region and obtained updates on the development so far amid the on-going Israel-Hamas war, sources told The Daily Guardian. Jaishankar reiterated India’s long standing position during the telephonic conversation with the Israeli foreign minister. Sources say that Prime Minister Narendra Modi is also likely to talk to Israeli PM Benjamin Natanyahu soon. PM Modi has already emphasized India’s support for a two state solution and early and durable resolution of the Israel-Palestine issue through dialogue and diplomacy. This is exactly what was reiterated by Jaishankar during his talks with the Israeli foreign minister, sources said. Jaishankar also discussed the situation in Gaza with Eli Cohen even as war between Israel and Hamas continues to grow tense. Jaishankar assured to remain in touch as he spoke to Cohen. “Just spoke to Israeli Foreign Minister @ elicoh1. Discussed the Gaza situation, Lebanon and safety of maritime traffic in the region,” Mr Jaishankar wrote on X (formerly Twitter). “Will continue to remain in touch,” he added. The conflict in Gaza escalated after the October 7 attack by Hamas, where about 2,500 terrorists breached the border into Israel from the Gaza Strip, leading to casualties and the seizure of hostages. Israel has characterised its Gaza offensive as targeting Hamas’ infrastructure with the goal of eliminating the entire terror group while making efforts to minimise civilian casualties. Jaishankar also had a telephone conversation with Cohen in November, as he reaffirmed India’s commitment to “countering terrorism, observance of international humanitarian law and a two-state solution.” The discussion centred on the prevailing situation in Gaza and the significance of finding a solution that ensures regional stability and peace. Prime Minister Narendra Modi was one of the first global leaders to condemn the terror attacks and express solidarity with Israel. Importantly, Jaishankar discussed the safety of maritime traffic in the region while speaking to Israeli counterpart. The situation in Lebanon was also discussed during the talks. PM Modi had recently met President of embattled Israel, Isaac Harzog, on the sidelines of COP28 World Climate Action Summit in the UAE. He had shared his perspective on the ongoing Israel-Hamas war. Modi had expressed condolences on the loss of lives in Israel because of the Hamas attack on October 7 and welcomed the recent release of hostages. He expressed India’s support for a “durable” resolution of the Israel-Palestine issue by way of dialogue and diplomacy.
