Rise of Israeli tourists in Indian hill stations – needs study

[Sameer]

I'm at Kasar Devi right now – the views are amazing and it's packed with Israeli tourists. Heard Dharamshala and Manali are the same. What's driving this sudden influx?

[Sangeeta]

The Israeli Defence Forces, which aren't exactly defensive given recent events, get leave after active duty. I suspect the atrocities in Gaza and Lebanon have led to more soldiers coming back on break.

[Ashok]

Why? Because they want to unwind and party after being involved in violent actions.

[Imran]

Their country, unfortunately, has a reputation for organ‑trafficking rings. Just search Google for "Israeli organ trafficking ring" followed by names like Turkey, South Africa, Kenya, Kazakhstan, Costa Rica, New Jersey, Cyprus, Kosovo, Russia. Numerous cases have surfaced over the past 20 years, and India lacks robust safeguards to tackle this.

[Ranjit]

Sudden influx? Himachal's always had Israeli visitors. I reckon they finish their military service and come here to relax and smoke.

[Mahima]

Most Israeli soldiers who finish their compulsory service head to places like Himachal, Indonesia or Thailand – it's been the trend for about 30 years.

[Karan]

Soon those spots might turn into no‑go zones for Indian travellers.

[Mohit]

These people can be a nuisance, but we can't just bar an entire community from visiting our country. And many of us still admire them.

[Tejas]

People should keep a watchful eye and prevent them from buying land or taking control of key assets, otherwise they'll claim Himachal was promised to them 3 000 years ago.

[Irfan]

They're everywhere in India now. It gets irritating when they dominate certain cafés and spots, acting like they own the place and locals aren't welcome.

[Vaishali]

It's the same across South and SE Asia – Himachal, Goa, Gokarna, Sri Lanka, Thailand. Wherever accommodation is cheap and drugs are easy to get, you'll find Israeli tourists.