Since abrogation of Article 370, that accorded special status to Jammu & Kashmir, many Israeli tourists have turned city of Leh into 'Little Israel' by extending ir stay in Leh and hence canceling ir Kashmir itinerary. Israelis tourists are all over Leh to enjoy pristine beauty of Lakh, from streets to hotels and restaurants to monasteries. In markets and public places, one can hear Lakhi and Hebrew being spoken and shops have tailored ir menus to suit Israeli taste buds as a large number of m are currently staying in Leh town.

'Little Israel' formed in Leh

Ayelet Hod and her husband Nitai Hod, Isreali tourists, h arrived in India recently but before y could make any plans for Kashmir valley, abrogation of Article 370 took place. "We were all set to visit Kashmir, as it one of most beautiful places on earth. But, we are aware of political situation in Jammu and Kashmir, especially after abrogation of provision of Article 370, so we decided to cancel trip and continue in Lakh," said Ayelet.

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Stanzin Namzang, manr of hotel, said, "We have 13 rooms and barring 4-5 rooms, all have been taken up by Israelis. same is situation in many or hotels too. Israelis love Lakh and French too".

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Streets of Leh filled with Israeli tourists

In Leh, Israeli tourists have reportedly outnumbered all foreign tourists significantly. Several shops are even offering Kosher food. Elii Dorhaim, 58, an Israeli actor said, he and his wife, Hagid Greenstein h also planned to visit Kashmir, but "situation re is quite volatile, so we decided to cancel it". He ded, "We are going to spend that time in Leh-Lakh, which is just heavenly in terms of its natural beauty. And, with so many Israelis in Leh, it feels like I am back in Jerusalem or Tel Aviv. Leh has sort of becoming a 'Little Israel'." 

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Jammu & Kashmir after abrogation of Article 370

Union Home Minister Amit Shah on August 5 moved two bills and two resolutions in Parliament that h momentous effect of abrogating Article 370 and also bifurcated state into two union territories - Jammu &Kashmir and Lakh. 

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(from PTI inputs)