Gantz, Netanyahu mourn Indian defense chief killed in chopper crash

Defense Minister Benny Gantz extends his condolences to the people of India and the country’s defense establishment over the “tragic accident” in which Indian defense chief General Bipin Rawat and 12 other people were killed in a helicopter crash.

“Rawat was a true partner of the IDF and Israel’s defense establishment, and contributed greatly to the strengthening of security relations between the two countries,” Gantz tweets.

I would like extend condolences on behalf of Israel's defense establishment &to express my personal grief to the people of India & to the Indian defense establishment on the loss of Chief of Defence Staff Bipin Rawat, his wife & others who perished in the tragic accident.

— בני גנץ – Benny Gantz (@gantzbe) December 8, 2021

Opposition leader Benjamin Netanyahu, who fostered close ties between Israel  and India while he was prime minister, says he was “deeply saddened” by Rawat’s death.

I was deeply saddened to learn about the deadly helicopter crash that killed India's Chief of Defence Staff, General Bipin Rawat, his wife and 11 others in Tamil Nadu.

My thoughts and prayers are with the families of the victims. May they rest in peace. ????????????????????

— Benjamin Netanyahu – בנימין נתניהו (@netanyahu) December 8, 2021