The government and opposition parties sparred in the Parliament on Thursday, disrupting normal proceedings in the Rajya Sabha as they demanded immediate discussion on the ongoing conflict between Israel and Palestine. However, the government refused to accede to this demand and the house was adjourned for the day.
Earlier, External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj had opposed any discussion on the matter, saying that since it did not directly involve India it should not be taken up for discussion in the Parliament as it could harm its relations with both Israel and Palestine. However, Rajya Sabha Chairman Hamid Ansari refused to comply with Swaraj's request citing rules of the house after which Defence Minister Arun Jaitley said that the government would be open for a discussion at a later date. However, the opposition refused to play ball and disrupted normal proceedings.
Later speaking to DNA, opposition leaders expressed their displeasure over how the entire issue played out. Congress spokesperson Rashid Alvi said that, “It is really unfortunate and never before has it happened that a matter is included in the list of business and the government has refused to discuss it. Israel may be a friend but all the Gulf countries have also been very close friends of India.” He further said that the government's attitude in this matter was not good for India's strategic interest.
CPI leader AB Bardhan was more scathing in his criticism. He accused the government of shielding Israel and turning a blind eye to the widespread human rights violations done by them. However, when asked if he felt that the government was acting under external pressure, he was non-committal in his response. Israel may be a friend, but if they are committing mistakes, they should be told that, he said.
Meanwhile Congress spokesperson Sanjay Jha said that India is extremely well respected in the international community and the country should leverage its position to raise a voice against human rights violations. He said that humanity should come before diplomatic considerations. Jha said that the government cannot be seen as skirting the issue and that political parties should be given a chance to air their views about this burning issue on the floor of the House while the Centre should issue a structured and nuanced response.
It is quite clear from voices in the opposition that temperatures are likely to hot up during the discussion on this contentious issue. The Centre may now attempt a fine balancing act in both, placating the opposition as well as not appearing anti-Israel.
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