What is the ‘Hummus trail’ and why is it under scrutiny?
BILATERAL – INDIA-ASIA
9 JULY 2026
- On June 2, 2026, the Hind Rajab Foundation (HRF), a Palestinian rights organisation based in Brussels, filed a complaint with the Union Ministry of Home Affairs, the Bureau of Immigration and the police to arrest Eitan Gilboa, an Israeli soldier, who was found to be vacationing in Himachal Pradesh.
- Gilboa, a member of the 271st Combat Engineering Battalion, was accused by the organisation of committing “war crimes in Gaza” in 2024.
- The organisation submitted evidence that involves specific instances in which he participated in the destruction of residential buildings and civilian infrastructure in Khan Yunis and Rafah.
- He filmed videos of himself celebrating the execution of these activities, which were later posted on social media by his mother.
- The HRF provided geo-located videos, social media videos and chain-of-command documentation along with the complaint.
- The HRF alleged that these activities by Gilboa were in violation of the Fourth Geneva Convention, to which India is a signatory. Under this convention, any intentional launch of an attack which is known to cause loss of life or injury to civilians, along with severe damage to civilian objects, is considered to be a war crime and a grave breach of the convention.
- However, the Union government did not issue a statement regarding the allegations by HRF, nor initiated a probe.
- Though Gilboa has now fled India, he was traced by pro-Palestinian activists and the HRF in Old Manali and Gondla Village of Himachal Pradesh, which are popular spots among Israelis along the ‘Hummus trail.’
Hummus trail in India
- Every year, around 80,000 Israelis visit India, a large number of them young veterans who have been discharged from the mandatory Israeli army service. This trip, known as the Tiul Gadol, could last up to 6 months or a year and is mainly funded by the bonus they receive after serving in the army.
- In February 2026, the Israeli government allocated four million NIS to boost tourism collaboration with India.
- From the north to the south of the country, there are several areas which are frequented by Israelis, and this is colloquially known as the ‘Hummus trail in India’.
- This includes Kasol (also known as mini-Israel), Kodaikanal, Kerala, Goa, Hampi, Gokarna, Rishikesh, Varanasi, Pushkar, Almora, Dharamkot, and, more recently, the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
- In these places frequented by Israelis, one can observe several changes to the cultural landscape. It is common to see signs in Hebrew, posters promoting the Israeli Defence Forces, along with cafes, stores and hostels run by Israelis.
- Hummus Trail is named after the Middle Eastern chickpea dip, hummus, reflecting the transformation of local menus to cater to these travelers.
- In 2015, an Israeli-run cafe in Himachal Pradesh faced backlash for allegedly denying entry to Indians with a ‘whites only’ sign.
- According to a 2020 study published in the Journal of Travel & Tourism Marketing, drug abuse and rave parties are common along the Hummus trail, with drug peddling cases on the rise in these regions.
- The study found that to cope with mental health challenges faced by these veterans during their service in the army, they resort to high drug consumption. Mental health workers from Israel have also been sent to India to aid these reservists.
1. Countries with Active Mandatory Military Service
| Country | Details |
|---|---|
| Israel | Mandatory military service for most Jewish citizens; both men and women are eligible (with exemptions). |
| South Korea | Mandatory service due to security concerns with North Korea. |
| North Korea | One of the longest conscription systems in the world. |
| Singapore | National Service (NS) is compulsory mainly for male citizens and permanent residents. |
| Switzerland | Military service is mandatory for men; alternative civilian service available. |
| Finland | Mandatory military service for men; civilian service option available. |
| Norway | Gender-neutral conscription system. |
| Sweden | Conscription reintroduced in 2017; applies to both men and women. |
| Denmark | Mandatory service, with selection through a lottery system. |
| Austria | Mandatory military service for men; civilian service option available. |
| Greece | Mandatory military service for men. |
| Turkey | Mandatory military service for male citizens. |
| Egypt | Mandatory military service for men. |
| Iran | Mandatory military service for men. |
| Taiwan | Mandatory military service for men (extended due to security concerns). |
2. Countries with Selective or Limited Conscription
| Country | Details |
|---|---|
| Russia | Mandatory military service for men; conscription remains an important part of the armed forces. |
| Ukraine | Military obligations expanded due to the Russia–Ukraine conflict. |
| Brazil | Military service is legally compulsory for men, though not all are selected. |
| Mexico | Military service through a lottery system. |
| Argentina | Suspended regular conscription but retains legal provisions. |
| China | Legal conscription exists, but the People’s Liberation Army mainly relies on volunteers. |
Countries That Abolished Conscription
- India – Maintains an all-volunteer military system.
- United States – Suspended conscription in 1973; maintains a Selective Service registration system.
- United Kingdom – Ended National Service in 1963.
- France – Suspended compulsory military service in 1997 (universal national service being developed).
- Germany – Suspended conscription in 2011.
- Japan – No conscription; constitutionally maintains a volunteer Self-Defense Force.
- Italy – Suspended compulsory service in 2005.