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House Speaker Mike Johnson said he came close to having Representatives Ilhan Omar and Rashida Tlaib removed from the House chamber after they repeatedly interrupted President Donald Trump during his State of the Union speech.

In an interview with Fox News, Johnson described the outbursts as inappropriate and said he weighed whether to take disciplinary action as the disruptions unfolded.

“It was shameful, really. I came this close to stopping them; we could have probably ejected them from the floor. [But] I thought, let their actions speak for themselves,” he tells Fox News.

During the address, Omar and Tlaib repeatedly shouted at Trump from the chamber floor, accusing him of dishonesty and responsibility for American deaths. They called him a “liar” and alleged that he had “killed Americans.”

Johnson said that while he ultimately chose not to intervene, the option of removal was seriously considered.

“If they’d gone a step further, we probably would have ejected them,” Johnson says. “But I think it was good for them to be there. I think it’s good for the American people to see the shame that they’ve brought upon their parties and upon themselves. And what a stark contrast between them and between the Republican Party.

“We’re on the right side of common sense, on law and justice, on security and American dominance and strength, and the Democrats stand for exactly the opposite of all that.”

{Matzav.com}

[Video below.] Knesset Speaker Amir Ohana awarded Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi the newly created Medal of the Knesset in recognition of what he described as Modi’s “significant contributions to the State of Israel and the Jewish people,” following the Indian leader’s address to the Israeli parliament.

Ohana presented the medal after Modi spoke before the Knesset plenum, where he highlighted the growing partnership between New Delhi and Yerushalayim and emphasized expanding cooperation across multiple sectors.

According to the Knesset spokesperson’s office, Modi was chosen for the honor because he “significantly strengthened the ties between India and Israel and deepened the strategic cooperation between the countries.”

The statement further noted: “During his tenure, cooperation in the fields of security and technology expanded, including joint security technological developments, innovation and cyber. He worked to deepen the political and cultural connection, and strengthened Israel’s position as India’s central partner in the Middle East.”

Calling the ceremony a milestone event, Ohana said, “This is a historic moment for the Knesset and for the entire State of Israel.” He added, “The awarding of the decoration to Prime Minister Modi expresses our deep appreciation for his work to create a strategic alliance between Israel and India. His policy is an expression of a courageous, consistent and sincere friendship with the State of Israel, and of a firm stand by its side even in complex and challenging times.”

During his remarks, Modi pointed to the economic potential of both nations. He stated that India “will soon be among the top three economies globally,” while noting that “Israel is a powerhouse of innovation and technology leadership.”

“We are committed to expanding trade, strengthening investment growth and promoting joint infrastructure development,” he said, adding that the two countries “are working hard to negotiate an ambitious Free Trade Agreement. It will unlock the vast untapped potential in our trade relationship.”

India’s government announced that negotiations on a proposed India-Israel free trade agreement had begun in New Delhi on Monday. Officials said total merchandise trade between the two nations reached $3.62 billion in 2024-2025.

Modi also referenced Israel’s influence on Indian agriculture, saying that “India’s parliamentary debates of the 1950s are witness to their admiration for Israel’s effort to develop agriculture in the desert. The Kibbutz movement of Israel inspired our leaders.”

“Israeli expertise in precision irrigation and water management has already transformed agricultural practices in India,” he said.

He further revealed a new step in parliamentary cooperation, telling lawmakers: “I’m happy to inform this august house that the Indian parliament has set up a parliamentary friendship group for Israel.”

Addressing what he described as shared values between the two civilizations, Modi pointed to “philosophical parallels” between Jewish and Hindu traditions. “The [Jewish] principle of Tikkun Olam speaks of healing the world. In India, [the Sanskrit phrase of] Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam affirms that the world is one family. Both ideas… ask societies to act with compassion and moral courage,” he said.

“Judaism emphasizes halacha, guiding everyday conduct through law and practice,” he continued, while “Hindu philosophy speaks of Dharma, the moral order that shapes duty and right action. In both traditions, ethical life is lived through action, and faith is expressed through conduct.”

Modi concluded by underscoring the broader impact of the bilateral relationship. “Our strong partnership not only serves national interests, but also contributes to global stability and prosperity. Let us ensure that the friendship between India and Israel remains a source of strength in an uncertain world,” he said.

He ended his speech with the rallying calls “Am Yisrael Chai” and “Jai Hind,” meaning “Long live India,” prompting sustained applause and chants of “Modi! Modi!” from members of the packed chamber.

WATCH:

{Matzav.com}