Dharamshala, April 4 -- Perched quietly above McLeodganj, the narrow lanes of quaint Dharamkot village are used to welcoming tourists from afar. But as unrest grips West Asia, the village, also called Tel Aviv of the Hills, finds itself waiting - its usual stream of Israeli visitors reduced to a slow trickle. This is affecting the tourism industry and creating fear among the stakeholders. The restaurants and homestays are severely hit amid the ongoing conflict. With a backdrop of the majestic Dhauladhar range, the village is among the most favoured destinations for Israeli tourists, and is also referred to as a mini Israel. Normally, Israeli tourists begin arriving in March andstay until September and October. Ashok Pathania, a hotel owner and senior vice-president of the Hotel and Restaurant Association, Smart City Dharamshala, said guest houses and hotels in Dharamkot are largely empty, with no new arrivals of Israeli tourists this season due to the conflict in West Asia. "Businesses have been impacted, and hotel occupancy has plunged to nearly zero at most properties. Business units are lying vacant, and we arenot receiving any enquiries either. It is taking an economic toll on the tourism sector here," he said. As per the details collected from police, around 10,000 foreign nationals have visited Kangra district this year. However, in March, only around 100 Israeli nationals visited the district, whereas the number is usually much higher during this time. From January 2025 to February 2026, around 5,000 Israeli nationals visited Kangra. Meanwhile, Kangra district tourism development officer Vinay Dhiman said, "Kangra remains one of the preferred destinations for foreign tourists and attracts thousands ofvisitors annually, includingIsraeli nationals. Whenever there is any geopolitical issue globally, it impacts the tourism industry." The village's economy is dependent on tourism, and a major chunk of visitors are Israelis. Hebrew inscriptions adorning numerous buildings and shops, and a Chabad House serving as a Jewish community centre, underscore the Israeli influence within the village. The guest houses in the village mostly remain occupied by Israelis. Falafel with hummus is a common fare at the hole-in-the-wall restaurants. Rashpal Pathania, a restaurant owner in Dharamkot,said, "At this time of the year, we usually see a significant influx of Israeli tourists. Our business thrives on tourists. However, guest houses and homestays are largely empty, with only ahandful of Israeli visitors around. We are only seeingthose Israeli tourists who were already in India, with no new arrivals." "If the war does not end soon, our businesses will face major losses," he added. Shopkeepers and taxi drivers have also lamented a decline in business. Kartar Singh Pathania, a local taxi driver, said they are not getting customers as frequently as before. "We are not getting passengers like usual. Business has declined, and our taxis usually remain idle," he said....