Israeli Tourist Arrested in India After Bullet Found in Luggage

An Israeli tourist, 24-year-old Yonatan Levy, was arrested at Kangra Airport in Himachal Pradesh, northern India, after a single rifle bullet was discovered in his checked luggage during security screening. Levy was attempting to board a SpiceJet flight to New Delhi on Tuesday when the bullet was found in his suitcase. Local police were alerted, and Levy was detained.

According to Kangra District Police Chief Kulbhushan Verma, Levy was arrested and a weapons offense case was opened against him at the Gaggal police station. Police are investigating how the bullet came to be in his possession and why it was in his luggage.

During initial questioning, Levy stated that he had served in the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) and claimed the bullet was accidentally left in his bag, and that he was unaware of its presence. No weapons or additional ammunition were reportedly found in his possession. He appeared before a court on Wednesday, which ordered his continued police detention for two more days pending further investigation.

The Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed that the case is being handled by Israel's consul in India and the department for Israelis in distress abroad. The ministry also issued a warning to Israeli travelers to India, urging them to thoroughly check bags and backpacks that were used during military service or reserve duty before flying, to ensure no stray bullets remain due to the risk of arrest and severe penalties under Indian law. Kangra Airport serves as the air gateway to Dharamshala and Dharamkot, popular destinations for Israeli backpackers in India.