Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is set to meet with the mother and sister of Nepali student Bipin Joshi, who is currently under the custody of Hamas, today.
According to local time in Israel, Prime Minister Netanyahu is scheduled to meet with mother Padma Joshi and sister Pushpa at 11 am.
Padma and Pushpa reached Israel last week at the invitation of the Israeli government to exert International pressure for Bipin's release. During their visit, they have already met with Israeli President Isaac Herzog, Knesset Speaker Amir Ohana, and Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar.
The meetings with President Herzog and Knesset Speaker Ohana took place on Sunday at the Office of the President and the Knesset building, respectively. Although the Knesset building usually remains closed when the parliament is not in session, special arrangements were made for the meeting with Padma and Pushpa.
According to Nepal’s Ambassador to Israel, Dhan Prasad Pandit, during the meeting with Knesset Speaker Ohana, he expressed his readiness to fulfill the Knesset’s role in securing Bipin’s release.
“Even though Bipin Joshi is a Nepali citizen, he is our son, our brother. The Israeli government will leave no stone unturned in its efforts to secure his release,” Speaker Ohana said. “We are making every possible effort for his release.”
After meeting the Knesset Speaker, Padma and Pushpa met with President Herzog. During the meeting at the President’s office, President Herzog described Bipin Joshi as a "hero" for Israel. First Lady Michal was also present during the meeting.
"When Hamas attacked, the bomb they used was caught by Bipin and thrown back at them. Such bravery and courage are rare in people," President Herzog had said, "That is why Bipin is a 'hero' to us. The Israeli government is making every possible effort to ensure the safe release of a 'hero' like Bipin."
Nepali Ambassador to Israel, Prof. Dhan Prasad Pandit, also participated in the meeting with President Herzog. “The concern and efforts made by the President for Bipin’s release are commendable,” Ambassador Pandit said. “Therefore, we are optimistic that his release will happen before the President's visit to Nepal."
According to Ambassador Pandit, President Herzog expressed his desire to visit Nepal, a beautiful country that has given birth to heroes like Bipin.
After meeting the President and Knesset Speaker on Sunday, Padma and Pushpa met with Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar on Monday.
In addition to their scheduled meeting with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu today, Padma and Pushpa will also meet with US Ambassador to Israel, Jack Lew.
As the executive head, the Prime Minister is considered the most powerful figure in Israel. Similarly, due to the close relationship between the US and Israel, the US Ambassador holds significant influence in Israel.
After meeting high-ranking officials in Israel and requesting Bipin’s release, Padma and Pushpa are preparing to travel to the US
Following today’s meeting with US Ambassador Jack Lew, it will be determined which high-ranking US officials they might meet during their visit to America.
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