New Delhi / Jerusalem: Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Wednesday took to X (formerly Twitter) to thank Prime Minister Narendra Modi following their telephonic conversation, emphasising the deep partnership between the two nations.

“Thank you, my friend, Prime Minister Modi, for the warm conversation and friendship. I extend my best wishes to the people of India. Israel values the deep partnership with India and our shared determination to defeat terrorism,” Netanyahu tweeted.

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Earlier, PM Modi also shared his thoughts on the call, saying, “Glad to speak with my friend, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and convey New Year greetings to him and the people of Israel. We discussed ways to further strengthen the India-Israel Strategic Partnership in the year ahead. We also exchanged views on the regional situation and reaffirmed our shared resolve to fight terrorism with greater determination.”

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The conversation marked the first direct interaction between the two leaders in 2026. According to official sources, the leaders exchanged views on regional security developments and reaffirmed their commitment to counter terrorism.

This follows a phone call on December 11, 2025, during which Netanyahu and PM Modi reviewed the progress of the India-Israel Strategic Partnership and reiterated their zero-tolerance stance on terrorism. Both leaders expressed satisfaction with bilateral cooperation and agreed to deepen collaboration across key areas for mutual benefit.

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PM Modi also reiterated India’s support for initiatives aimed at achieving a lasting and just peace in the Middle East, including the early implementation of the Gaza Peace Plan. Both leaders strongly condemned terrorism in all forms and agreed to remain in close contact.

The conversation comes amid indications from Netanyahu that the second phase of the US-backed Gaza ceasefire plan could commence “very shortly,” even as Hamas claimed Israeli “violations” and urged mediators to press Israel to comply with the agreement.