Bureau, April 24, 2025 – In a significant show of solidarity, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu extended full support to India during a phone call with Prime Minister Narendra Modi on April 24, as tensions with Pakistan escalate following the suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty and the recent Pahalgam terrorist attack. Meanwhile, Pakistan has heightened its military posture, increasing troop deployments along the Line of Control (LoC), cancelling all leaves for its army personnel, and placing its air force on high alert, signaling a potential for further conflict in the region.
Netanyahu’s call came days after the brutal attack in Pahalgam, Kashmir, on April 22, which killed 26 tourists and was attributed to militants allegedly linked to Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT). India’s subsequent decision to suspend the 65-year-old Indus Waters Treaty—a critical water-sharing agreement that allocates 80% of the Indus River system’s flow to Pakistan—has drawn sharp criticism from Islamabad, prompting fears of a broader confrontation. During the call, Netanyahu condemned the attack as a “barbaric act of terrorism” and assured Modi of Israel’s unwavering support in India’s fight against terrorism, according to a statement from the Indian Ministry of External Affairs.
“Israel stands with India in this difficult hour,” Netanyahu reportedly told Modi, emphasizing the shared challenges both nations face from terrorism. The Israeli leader also praised India’s “decisive measures” against cross-border threats, a reference to the treaty suspension and other punitive actions, including the expulsion of Pakistani military advisors from New Delhi and the closure of the Attari-Wagah border. The call underscores the deepening strategic partnership between India and Israel, which has grown in recent years through defense cooperation, intelligence sharing, and counter-terrorism initiatives. Israel has been a key supplier of advanced military technology to India, including drones and missile defense systems, and the two countries have frequently collaborated on security issues.
On the other side of the border, Pakistan has responded with a significant military buildup. Reports from Indian intelligence sources indicate that Pakistan has deployed additional troops along the LoC, the de facto border separating Indian- and Pakistani-administered Kashmir. All leaves for Pakistan Army personnel have been cancelled, and the Pakistan Air Force has been placed on high alert, with fighter jets conducting sorties near the border. These moves, described by Pakistani military spokesperson Major General Ahmed Sharif as “defensive measures to safeguard national sovereignty,” have raised concerns about a potential escalation into open conflict.
The military mobilization follows Pakistan’s National Security Committee meeting on April 24, where officials vowed to respond to India’s “provocative actions.” Pakistani media outlets, including Geo News, reported that the government is preparing to internationalize the issue, with plans to appeal to the United Nations and the World Bank over the treaty suspension. Public sentiment in Pakistan has also turned increasingly hostile, with protests in major cities like Lahore and Islamabad condemning India’s decision to “weaponize water” and calling for a unified national response.
The international community is watching the situation with growing alarm. The United States and Russia have urged both nations to exercise restraint, while China, a close ally of Pakistan, has called for “dialogue” to resolve the crisis. Netanyahu’s support for India, however, adds a new dimension to the geopolitical dynamics, potentially strengthening India’s position as it seeks to isolate Pakistan diplomatically. Posts on X reflect a polarized global response, with some users praising Israel’s stance as a testament to its alliance with India, while others accuse both nations of “escalating tensions for political gain.”
As the situation along the LoC grows increasingly volatile, the Modi government has reiterated its resolve to hold Pakistan accountable for cross-border terrorism. In a statement following his call with Netanyahu, Modi thanked Israel for its support and emphasized that India would take “all necessary measures” to protect its citizens and sovereignty. With both India and Pakistan on edge, the region braces for what could be a defining moment in their long-standing rivalry.
