Israel FM Reaffirms Solidarity with India on Pahalgam Anniversary

Tel Aviv, April 22 — On the first anniversary of the Pahalgam terror attack, Israel’s Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar expressed solidarity with India, paid tribute to the victims and underscored the two countries’ shared commitment to fighting global extremism. In a post on X, Sa’ar said, “On behalf of the State of Israel, on one year to the Pahalgam terror attack, we honor the memory of the innocent lives lost and stand with their families in grief.” He added that Israel remains “resolute and unwavering in its fight against terrorism in all its forms” and highlighted ongoing cooperation with India to confront extremist threats and promote peace, security and stability.The remarks coincide with India’s remembrance of April 22, 2025, when attackers struck the tourist town of Pahalgam in Jammu and Kashmir, killing 26 people. Reports said the assailants entered a village, questioned victims about their religion and then killed civilians; authorities attributed the incident to Pakistan-backed groups.

Following the attack, India launched Operation Sindoor on May 7, 2025, targeting alleged terror infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoJK). According to official accounts, Indian forces destroyed nine major terror launchpads linked to Lashkar-e-Taiba, Jaish-e-Mohammed and Hizbul Mujahideen and said more than 100 terrorists were eliminated during the campaign. Pakistan responded with drone strikes and shelling, triggering a four-day exchange between the neighbours. India reported retaliatory strikes, including the destruction of radar installations in Lahore and near Gujranwala. The situation prompted a call between the two armies’ directors general of military operations and a ceasefire was agreed on May 10.

Indian authorities later credited Operation Mahadev — a joint Army and security force effort — with tracking down and killing three suspects involved in the Pahalgam attack. In addition to military measures, New Delhi took non-military steps, including suspending bilateral trade with Pakistan and terminating the Indus Waters Treaty.

(This report is based on a syndicated feed and is published as received. The Tribune assumes no responsibility for the accuracy or completeness of the original material.) (ANI)