Israel asks citizens to 'explore' Lakshadweep beaches after being banned by Maldives

A day after the Maldives government announced that it will ban Israeli passport holders from visiting the island nation, the Jewish nation went on to urge people to visit Lakshadweep Islands instead. On Monday, Consul General of Israel to Midwest India Kobbi Shoshani lauded the controversial decision.

He noted that the ban would encourage Israelis to visit the beaches of Lakshadweep. “Thanks to the Maldives Government’s decision Israelis can now explore the beautiful beaches of #Lakshadweep,” Shoshani wrote on X, formally known as Twitter.

Shoshani went on to re-share a post made by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in which he encouraged people to witness the tranquillity Lakshadweep has to offer.

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“In addition to the scenic beauty, Lakshadweep’s tranquillity is also mesmerising. It gave me an opportunity to reflect on how to work even harder for the welfare of 140 crore Indians,” PM Modi wrote in a post he shared on January 4.

Thanks to the Maldives Government's decision Israelis can now explore the beautiful beaches of #Lakshadweep. https://t.co/1K2NtG922M

— Kobbi Shoshani 🇮🇱 (@KobbiShoshani) June 3, 2024

Earlier this year, Maldives and India were involved in a diplomatic row after some ministers from the Muizzu administration mocked the Indian Prime Minister. Amid the chaos, “#BoycottMaldives” took social media by storm affecting the island nation’s tourism.

Israel embassy shares beautiful pictures of Indian beaches

Amid the chaos, the Israeli embassy in India took to X to share beautiful images of beaches in India

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“Since the Maldives is no longer welcoming Israelis, here are some beautiful and amazing Indian beaches where Israeli tourists are warmly welcomed and treated with the utmost hospitality,” the embassy wrote on X.

Since the Maldives is no longer welcoming Israelis, here are some beautiful and amazing Indian beaches where Israeli tourists are warmly welcomed and treated with utmost hospitality. 🏖️🇮🇳

Check out these recommendations from @IsraelinIndia, based on the places visited by our… pic.twitter.com/kGNEDS6fsp

— Israel in India (@IsraelinIndia) June 3, 2024

“Check out these recommendations from @IsraelinIndia, based on the places visited by our diplomats,” the embassy furthered.

What happened between Israel and Maldives?

Maldives announced that it will ban Israeli passport holders from entering the country. The presidential office of the Indian Ocean island nation confirmed the news in a press release on Sunday.

Maldivian President Dr Mohamed Muizzu is all set to impose the ban after he had a discussion with his cabinet. The island nation is known for its luxurious resorts and endless white sand beaches. In an effort to implement the ban, the country’s law will be amended and a separate cabinet subcommittee will be established to oversee the efforts.

އިސްރާއީލްގެ ޕާސްޕޯޓް މަނާކުރުމަށް ސަރުކާރުން ނިންމަވައިފި https://t.co/WKfXF6nglO pic.twitter.com/nI5Kc08MSB

— The President's Office (@presidencymv) June 2, 2024

“President Dr Mohamed Muizzu, following a recommendation from the Cabinet, has resolved to impose a ban on Israeli passports. The Minister of Homeland Security and Technology, Ali Ihsaan, announced the decision at a news conference held at the President’s Office this afternoon,” the statement from the Maldivian presidential office reads.

Following the news of the ban, the Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs immediately recommended its citizens to avoid travelling to Maldives and “for Israeli nationals staying in the country, it is recommended to consider leaving, since if they fall into distress for any reason, it will be difficult for to help.”