JERUSALEM (VINnews) — Israeli leaders on Thursday welcomed members of the Bnei Menashe community who recently immigrated from northeastern India, as the government reaffirmed plans to facilitate the immigration of thousands more over the coming years.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu joined Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, Aliyah and Integration Minister Ofir Sofer and Nof Hagalil Mayor Ronen Plot at an event recognizing new arrivals from the Bnei Menashe community, a group that traces its ancestry to one of the ancient tribes of Israel.

ראש הממשלה בנימין נתניהו:
״לאחר שנים של חיזוק הקשר בין ישראל להודו, הודות לקשר החם עם ידידי נרנדרה מודי, אני נרגש לראות את בני המנשה שבים הביתה. אנחנו הולכים להעלות את כל הקהילה בארבע השנים הבאות. אתם חלק בלתי נפרד מעם ישראל, וישראל היא ביתכם. אני מאחל לכם קליטה מוצלחת והצלחה… pic.twitter.com/ruZD8My6KJ

— ראש ממשלת ישראל (@IsraeliPM_heb) June 11, 2026

Israeli officials said roughly 600 members of the community have arrived in Israel since the start of the year, with hundreds more expected before year’s end. The government has approved a plan aimed at bringing the remaining members of the community, estimated at about 6,000 people, to Israel over the next several years.

The event followed the opening of a new absorption center in Nof Hagalil designed to assist newcomers with Hebrew language studies, employment, education and integration into Israeli society.

Netanyahu said the government intends to continue the immigration effort and described the Bnei Menashe as an integral part of the Jewish people. He welcomed the new immigrants and expressed support for their successful integration into life in Israel.

The Bnei Menashe community originates from India’s northeastern states and has maintained traditions that supporters say reflect ancient Jewish heritage. Thousands have immigrated to Israel over the past two decades.