Israeli President, Reuven Rivlin expressed his condolences at the passing away of Pranab Mukherjee. In a tweet, Israeli President said Pranab Mukherjee is a statesman much respected at home and abroad and a true friend of Israel who strengthened the deep ties between the two countries and peoples.<br />''   <br />''Mukherjee was the first Indian President to visit Israel in October 2015, setting up the stage for the first visit of Prime Minister Narendra Modi in 2017.<br />''   <br />''<span style="color: #222222;">Rivlin visited India in 2016 at Mukherjee's invitation and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in 2018, leading to the elevation of the bilateral ties to the level of strategic partnership.</span><br />