Israel’s Shocking Stand on Kashmir Attack Exposes Pakistan’s Role

On April 22, 2025, the serene Baisaran meadow in Pahalgam, Indian-administered Kashmir, became the site of a horrific terrorist attack that claimed 26 lives, mostly Indian tourists, and injured many others. The attack, one of the deadliest in the region in over two decades, sent shockwaves across India and the international community. In a powerful and unequivocal response, Israel’s Consul General to Midwest India, Kobbi Shoshani, condemned the attack, drawing parallels with Israel’s own struggles against terrorism and pointing a finger at Pakistan’s role in fostering cross-border violence. This bold stance not only reaffirmed the deep ties between India and Israel but also brought global attention to Pakistan’s alleged complicity in the attack.

A Brutal Attack in Paradise

The assault unfolded in the picturesque Baisaran Valley, a remote meadow accessible only by foot or horseback, where tourists were enjoying the peak season. Gunmen, later identified by Indian authorities as including two Pakistani nationals, opened fire on unarmed civilians, targeting non-Muslim men in a chilling display of violence. Eyewitnesses described scenes of chaos, with tourists running for cover as the attackers fired for up to 20 minutes before disappearing into the surrounding forests. The Resistance Front (TRF), a proxy for the Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), claimed responsibility, citing grievances over India’s policies in Kashmir, particularly the issuance of residency permits to non-Kashmiris.

The attack was a stark reminder of the ongoing insurgency in Kashmir, a region divided between India and Pakistan since 1947 and claimed in full by both. It shattered the relative calm that had encouraged a tourism boom in recent years, following India’s revocation of Kashmir’s semi-autonomous status in 2019. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, cutting short a trip to Saudi Arabia, vowed to pursue the perpetrators “to the ends of the earth,” while the Indian government swiftly implemented retaliatory measures against Pakistan.

Israel’s Emphatic Condemnation

Kobbi Shoshani’s response to the attack was both emotional and resolute. Speaking to ANI, he described the images from Pahalgam as “heartbreaking” and the attack as “unacceptable,” emphasizing that no nation should tolerate such violence against civilians. Drawing on Israel’s decades-long experience with terrorism, Shoshani called for a unified global effort to combat the menace, stating, “Terrorists must know there will always be a price to pay.” His words echoed Israel’s policy of decisive action against terror networks, a stance that resonated deeply with India’s own resolve.

Shoshani’s remarks went further, directly addressing Pakistan’s role. He urged Islamabad to dismantle terror networks operating from its soil, particularly in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK), where intelligence reports suggest groups like LeT and Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) maintain training camps. His pointed criticism of Pakistan, coupled with praise for India’s diplomatic and security measures, highlighted a shared understanding between Israel and India: terrorism, especially when state-sponsored, demands a robust response.

Exposing Pakistan’s Role

The Pahalgam attack brought renewed scrutiny to Pakistan’s alleged support for terrorism in Kashmir. Indian officials, backed by intelligence sources, claimed that the four attackers, two of whom were Pakistani, were trained in PoK camps run by LeT and JeM, with support from Pakistan’s Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI). These claims were bolstered by reports of a growing nexus between Hamas and ISI, with Hamas operatives reportedly visiting PoK to collaborate with Pakistani terror groups. Israeli Ambassador to India Reuven Azar, in a separate statement, likened the Pahalgam attack to Hamas’s October 2023 assault in Israel, calling it “barbaric” and warning of the dangers of such terror networks.

Pakistan, however, denied any involvement. Defense Minister Khawaja Mohammad claimed India was using the attack as a pretext to suspend the Indus Waters Treaty, while Pakistan’s interior minister called for a “neutral” investigation. Some Pakistani officials even labeled the attack a “false flag operation” orchestrated by India, a claim dismissed by Indian and international analysts. The TRF’s statement claiming responsibility, posted on Telegram, further complicated Pakistan’s denials, as India has long classified TRF as an LeT offshoot backed by the Pakistani military.

Shoshani’s call for Pakistan to take responsibility was echoed by other international leaders. U.S. President Donald Trump and Vice President JD Vance, the latter visiting India at the time, condemned the attack and expressed solidarity with India. Over 50 nations, including Israel, France, and the UAE, backed India’s stance, isolating Pakistan diplomatically. Analysts suggested that Pakistan’s denials were undermined by its history of supporting groups like LeT, responsible for the 2008 Mumbai attacks and other assaults on Indian soil.

India’s Decisive Response

In the wake of the attack, India implemented a series of measures targeting Pakistan. These included suspending the 1960 Indus Waters Treaty, closing the Attari border crossing, expelling Pakistani diplomats, and reducing diplomatic staff in both countries. India also suspended the SAARC Visa Exemption Scheme for Pakistani nationals and ordered Pakistani citizens to leave within 40 hours. These steps, described by Shoshani as necessary to curb terrorism, signaled a significant escalation in India’s response to cross-border violence.

Domestically, India launched a massive manhunt, with the National Investigation Agency (NIA) deploying teams to investigate the attack. Security forces demolished the homes of suspected militants, detained over 1,500 people, and intensified search operations in Kashmir. The Indian Army also reported exchanges of fire with Pakistani soldiers along the Line of Control (LoC), raising fears of further escalation between the nuclear-armed neighbors.

The India-Israel Bond: A United Front Against Terror

Shoshani’s statement underscored the “unbreakable” bond between India and Israel, rooted in shared values, mutual respect, and a common struggle against terrorism. Both nations, born out of conflict in 1947 and 1948 respectively, have faced persistent threats from militant groups. Israel’s expertise in counter-terrorism, coupled with India’s growing security capabilities, has strengthened their partnership since formal diplomatic ties were established in 1992.

The consul general highlighted the personal and cultural ties that deepen this relationship, noting his own affection for India and his desire to visit Kashmir as a gesture of defiance against terror. He praised India’s leadership, particularly Prime Minister Modi, for its determination to stabilize Jammu and Kashmir, a sentiment echoed by Ambassador Azar, who expressed confidence in India’s ability to tackle terrorism based on its intelligence and terrain knowledge.

Israel’s support extends beyond rhetoric. The two nations collaborate on defense, intelligence sharing, and counter-terrorism strategies. India’s use of Israeli-made weapons, such as Rafael Spice-2000 bombs in past operations, underscores their military ties. Shoshani’s call for global cooperation against terrorism aligns with India’s push for stronger international frameworks to combat state-sponsored terror, particularly from Pakistan.

A Global Call to Action

The Pahalgam attack and Israel’s response have reignited discussions on the global nature of terrorism. Shoshani’s warning that “no country should tolerate such acts” was a call to action for nations to confront terror networks, regardless of their origin. The parallels he drew between Kashmir and Israel’s conflicts with groups like Hamas highlighted the interconnectedness of terror organizations, with reports of Hamas-LeT collaboration in PoK adding urgency to the issue.

The international community’s response, with condemnations from leaders like Trump, France’s Emmanuel Macron, and the UAE, underscored the attack’s significance. However, analysts warn that de-escalating tensions between India and Pakistan will be challenging, given the history of conflict over Kashmir and the nuclear capabilities of both nations. The suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty, in particular, has raised alarms, with Pakistan calling it an “act of war.”

Looking Ahead: Challenges and Resilience

The Pahalgam attack has exposed vulnerabilities in Kashmir’s security apparatus, with analysts pointing to lapses that allowed such a large-scale assault during peak tourist season. India’s retaliatory measures, while signaling resolve, risk further escalation, with Pakistan promising a “tit-for-tat” response. Shoshani’s emphasis on resilience—encouraging normalcy and tourism in Kashmir—offers a counter-narrative to the terrorists’ aim of sowing fear.

For India and Israel, the attack is a reminder of their shared commitment to fighting terrorism. Shoshani’s bold stand, exposing Pakistan’s role, has amplified India’s case on the global stage, galvanizing support and isolating Islamabad. As investigations continue and tensions simmer, the India-Israel partnership stands as a beacon of solidarity, urging the world to confront the scourge of terrorism with unwavering determination.