Delhi's Teen Murti Chowk renamed after Israeli city of Haifa

The iconic Teen Murti Chowk and Teen Murti Marg on Sunday was renamed after the Israeli city Haifa, following Israel PM Netanyahu's visit to India. 

The Israeli prime minister and PM Narendra Modi headed to the Teen Murti monument in Delhi where they laid a wreath at the monument, commemorating the role of three Indian regiments who fought at the battle of Haifa over a century ago. 

Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is on a six-day tour to India.

The decision of the name change was first announced last year in April, after PM Modi's visit to Israel. 

The New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC) had taken the decision in this regard at a meeting presided over by Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal. 

The three bronze statues at Teen Murti represent the Hyderabad, Jodhpur and Mysore Lancers who were part of the 15 Imperial Service Cavalry Brigade.

The brigade carried out the victorious assault on the fortified city of Haifa on September 23, 1918, during World War I.

There are various accounts of this battle - all narrate the valour with which the lancers undertook the assault on the garrisoned city protected by a joint force of Ottomans, Germany and Austria-Hungary. 

The liberation of Haifa cleared a supply route for the Allies to the city through the sea.

Forty-four Indian soldiers made the ultimate sacrifice during the liberation of the city in World War I.

Till date, the 61 Cavalry celebrates September 23 as its Raising Day or "Haifa Day."

(With inputs from PTI)