The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) have issued a formal apology after a significant diplomatic controversy erupted over a social media post that incorrectly depicted Jammu and Kashmir as part of Pakistan. The map, shared by the IDF in connection with regional operations, was swiftly condemned by Indian citizens and political leaders for misrepresenting India’s sovereign territory.
In a statement posted on X (formerly Twitter), the IDF admitted the map “fails to precisely depict borders” and clarified that it was meant only as an “illustration of the region.” “We apologize for any offence caused by this image,” the post stated, following widespread backlash and calls for a retraction.
The error triggered a wave of criticism on social media, with many Indian users urging the Israeli military and its leadership to issue a correction. Some users even tagged Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, seeking a formal response.
The controversy soon took a political turn, with the Indian National Congress criticizing Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s foreign policy. Congress spokesperson Pawan Khera mocked Modi, calling the incident “another feather in Vishwaguru’s cap” and labeling the episode a diplomatic embarrassment, especially in light of Modi’s close ties with Netanyahu.
Modi and Netanyahu have publicly showcased their alliance through high-profile state visits and symbolic gestures. Modi was the first Indian Prime Minister to visit Israel in 2017, marking a historic shift in bilateral ties.
The incident comes at a tense time in the Middle East. Following Israeli airstrikes that killed top Iranian military leaders under “Operation Rising Lion,” Iran retaliated with drone and missile attacks targeting northern Israel. Air-raid sirens sounded across the region as Israel scrambled to respond to the escalating conflict.
The mapping error by the IDF, though eventually acknowledged, has stirred discussions on diplomatic sensitivity and the importance of accurate geopolitical representations amid deepening international tensions.
