Israel on Thursday strongly denounced the assault on two Indian workers in the city of Ashkelon, with the Israeli embassy in India saying the attackers have already been taken into custody.
The incident has drawn fresh attention as Prime Minister Narendra Modi is expected to travel to Israel next week, with political voices in India asking whether safety concerns faced by Indian nationals abroad will be discussed during the visit.
In a statement posted on X, the Israeli embassy in India called the assault “absolutely unacceptable” and said the Israeli police had identified and detained the individuals involved, adding that legal action would follow.
The attack on two Indian workers yesterday in Ashkelon by delinquents is absolutely unacceptable.
The Israeli police have caught the perpetrators and will bring them to justice.— Israel in India (@IsraelinIndia) February 19, 2026
A clip shared by Israeli broadcaster KAN showed at least two men being beaten by a group in what appeared to be a public park on Wednesday, with multiple attackers seen surrounding and striking the victims.
Congress seeks MEA intervention
Congress leader Pawan Khera raised the issue on X, expressing concern and urging External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar to take it up.
Khera alleged the assault was a “premeditated racist” attack and claimed it was planned through private chats, adding that such incidents had occurred before and could recur.
Yesterday, two Indian citizens were brutally attacked in Ashkelon, Israel.
It was a premeditated racist assault, planned over private chats. This is not the first such attack. And sadly, it may not be the last.
The government’s failure to generate adequate employment at home… pic.twitter.com/ZPFYcrrfj1
— Pawan Khera (@Pawankhera) February 18, 2026
He also criticised the government, saying the lack of jobs in India pushes workers overseas, and argued that New Delhi must respond firmly when Indians face violence abroad. Khera further demanded that the government verify the victims’ condition and ensure medical support, including treatment at no cost if needed.
Question raised ahead of PM Modi’s trip
Khera also asked whether PM Modi would flag the “issue of racism” and attacks on Indian nationals during his upcoming visit to Israel.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on February 15 said PM Modi will visit Israel “next week”. Speaking at a conference of presidents of major American Jewish organisations, Netanyahu referred to what he described as a “tremendous alliance” between India and Israel while announcing the visit.
The upcoming trip will be PM Modi’s second visit to Israel, after his 2017 visit, when he became the first Indian Prime Minister to travel to the country.