Racist assault on 2 Indians in Israel, attack plotted on WhatsApp

Two Indian workers were allegedly beaten in a “targeted, racially motivated attack” in Ashkelon with authorities saying the perpetrators have been arrested, TRT World reported, citing Israeli media.

In a statement, the Embassy of Israel in India said the attack by delinquents in Ashkelon was “absolutely unacceptable” and that Israeli police have caught those responsible and will bring them to justice.

According to a video report released on February 16 by Israeli public broadcaster KAN, at least two men were assaulted by a group in what appeared to be a public park. Hebrew captions described the incident as a “premeditated” ambush driven by “racism and malice”.

The report alleged that the attackers coordinated the assault through WhatsApp messages before targeting Indian workers in the neighbourhood and carried out the beating in broad daylight.

Ashkelon, located about 50 kilometres from Tel Aviv and close to the Gaza border, has a significant presence of foreign workers, including Indians.

It was not immediately clear when the assault took place, though the video report was made public on February 16.

The assault happened ahead of PM Narendra Modi's visit to Israel on February 25 and 26, marking his second trip to the country.

The announcement was first made by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu during his address to the Conference of Presidents of Major American Jewish Organisations on Sunday.

"Parliament address on the anvil. Who's coming here next week? Narendra Modi," Netanyahu told the gathering, describing ties between the two nations as a "tremendous alliance."

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