Visiting Foreign Minister of Israel Eli Cohen on Tuesday cut short his three-day visit to India and returned to Tel Aviv.  He landed here in the morning and decided to go back after receiving a “security update.”

He reportedly decided to return after Israel launched air strikes against some militants in the Gaza Strip. Some commanders of the militant group Islamic Jihad were killed in the military action. 

“A short while ago I landed in India for a very important strategic and political visit. I am receiving constant update from Israel on the situation and I hope to meet today with the Indian Prime Minister, and after that will shorten my visit and go back to Israel,” Cohen said.  He left after holding talks with External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and calling on Prime Minister Modi.

Announcing the decision, the Israeli Foreign Ministry said “Foreign Minister Eli Cohen landed a short while ago in New Delhi, the capital of India, and as soon as he landed he received a security update. In light of the events in Israel, Foreign Minister Cohen decided to cut short his diplomatic visit to India and return to Israel after the meeting with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi that will take place today.”

According to reports from Tel Aviv, Israel has launched a major military offensive targeting some militants in Gaza Strip. At least 12 Palestinians, including three commanders of the militant group Islamic Jihad, have been killed in the air strikes, they said.