Shock in Israel: Indian nationals targeted in suspected ‘pre-planned’ racial attack

While the exact date of the incident remains unclear, local media circulated a video clip purportedly showing the assault.

In the footage, three to four individuals wearing hooded jackets are seen following the two Indian men as they walk along a footpath.

The video later shows the attackers allegedly assaulting one of the victims inside a public park.

The Embassy of Israel in India condemned the incident, calling it “absolutely unacceptable.”

In a statement posted on X, the Embassy said: “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.”

According to media reports, the assault was allegedly pre-planned over WhatsApp before the two men were targeted.

Congress leader Pawan Khera urged External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar to look into the matter.

“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,” Khera wrote on X.

He further alleged that the government’s failure to generate adequate employment domestically has forced Indian labourers to seek work in Israel.

“It celebrates Indo-Israel ‘friendship’ when sending Indian labourers there. But when our people face barbaric treatment, it falls silent and shrugs off responsibility,” he said.

Tagging Jaishankar, Khera added: “@DrSJaishankar should urgently look into the matter, confirm the victim’s condition, and ensure he has access to adequate, free-of-cost medical care if required.”

The alleged attack comes just days before Prime Minister Narendra Modi is expected to visit Israel.

Khera questioned whether the Prime Minister would raise concerns about racism and violent attacks against Indian nationals during his visit.