Tel Aviv’s political circles are buzzing with anticipation over Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s upcoming visit to Israel. Daniel Rubenstein, former social media advisor to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, has hailed the trip as a game-changer for bilateral relations. At the heart of this excitement lies the robust personal rapport between the two leaders, which Rubenstein believes will propel cooperation across multiple fronts.
Rubenstein emphasized that Modi’s address to the Israeli Knesset marks a historic milestone—the first by any Indian Prime Minister. Since Modi’s last visit a decade ago, India and Israel have forged ahead in defense, trade, agriculture, healthcare, and tourism. ‘The personal chemistry between Netanyahu and Modi sets the tone for every level of government interaction,’ Rubenstein noted. Their comfort and camaraderie during meetings create a ripple effect, fostering deeper ties.
Highlighting geographic synergies, Rubenstein pointed out India’s position by the Indian Ocean and Israel’s by the Mediterranean Sea. This opens vast opportunities in shipping, connectivity, and artificial intelligence. ‘These partnerships through mutual allies promise immense trade and development prospects,’ he said, expressing hope that Modi’s visit is just the beginning.
On defense, Rubenstein underscored the shared challenges faced by both democracies in tough neighborhoods. Israel’s compact size belies its massive defense industry, and discussions on bolstering military cooperation are inevitable. New agreements would signal strength to friends and foes alike, welcoming collaborators while warning adversaries of consequences. Both nations, scarred by recent terrorist attacks, understand the terror threat intimately.
As Modi prepares for this landmark trip, the personal bond with Netanyahu stands poised to elevate India-Israel relations to new heights, promising a future of strategic collaboration and mutual prosperity.