Raising the issue, Anand Sharma (Cong), who gave a notice under rule 267 seeking suspension of listed business of the day to discuss the subject, said it was the Prime Minister's prerogative to visit any country and he had delinked his visit to Israel with Palestine.
Modi visited Israel from July 4 to 6 but skipped Palestine, departing from the convention of Indian leaders visiting both countries on the same trip.
In the conversation relayed on a 'hot-mic', Netanyahu told the European leaders in Budapest that Modi told him that he needed water for his people which he cannot get from Ramallah, he said.
India, the Congress leader said, has always stood in solidarity Palestine.
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As Deputy Chairman P J Kurien disallowed the notice, Sharma said the comments made by the Prime Minister in private conversation involves "dignity of office".
As the Congress members sought a response from the government, Kurien said he was not blocking the government from responding but at the same time he cannot direct them to do so. "It is up to government whether to respond or not," he said.