PM Modi Dials Netanyahu Amid Israel-Hezbollah Conflict, Says 'Committed To Restoration Of Peace'

PM Modi said terrorism has no place in our world and it is crucial to prevent regional escalation and ensure the safe release of all hostages.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday spoke to Israeli counterpart Benjamin Netanyahu amid the escalation of the Israel-Hezbollah conflict. PM Modi denounded the violence in the Middle East saying terrorism has no place in our world and said that India is committed to supporting efforts for early restoration of peace in West Asia.

"Spoke to Prime Minister @netanyahu about recent developments in West Asia. Terrorism has no place in our world. It is crucial to prevent regional escalation and ensure the safe release of all hostages. India is committed to supporting efforts for an early restoration of peace and stability," PM Modi said in a post on X. 

The recent Israeli strikes have killed Hezbollah’s leader Nasrallah and six of his top commanders and officials in the last 10 days. The Israeli strikes have also hit thousands of militant targets across large parts of Lebanon killing over 1,000 people in the past two weeks.

Hezbollah, which has vowed retaliation for Nasrallah's killing, has significantly increased its rocket attacks in the past week to several hundred daily. However, most of its rocket attacks have been intercepted or fallen in open areas. Hezbollah had been firing rockets and missiles into northern Israel after Hamas' October 7 attack from Gaza into Israel sparked a war there. 

PM Modi had earlier spoken with Netanyahu on August 16 where the two leaders discussed the situation in West Asia. The PM had then emphasized the need to de-escalate the situation and called for immediate release of all hostages and the need for continued humanitarian assistance for the affected. The Indian Prime Minister had called for an early and peaceful resolution of the conflict through dialogue and diplomacy.

Meanwhile, Israel has launched small ground raids against Hezbollah even as it prepares for a larger ground operation in Lebanon, according to a report in the Associated Press.

The report quoting a US official said that Israel has informed the US about the raids that are underway and that Israel has not provided timing on plans for a larger operation.