Israeli tourists light Shabbat candles at Goa
Israeli tourists light Shabbat candles at GoaIsrael news photo: Flash 90

It is not enough that Israel is accused of “occupying” land restored to the country in 1967. An Indian MP charges Israel – and Russia – are taking over villages in Goa.

Indian Congress member Rajya Sabha Shantaram Naik said Tuesday, "Russians and Israelis have occupied certain villages in a manner which cannot be called ideal tourism, and they indulge in business activities in violation of the laws of the land, including Foreign Exchange Management Act," according to the Times of India's Economic Times website.

Naik spoke at a students' convention, where he added, "Goa's precious lands needs to be protected and we cannot allow any Goan village to be called 'Israel Village' or 'Russian Village'.’”

He was referring to beaches in North Goa that are popular for tourists, particularly Israeli, many of whom remain and begin businesses.

Indian authorities several years ago investigated real estate deals along the coast, allegedly funded by Russian mafia operatives.

The website estimated that approximately 4,000 Israelis visit the beaches every year and that 40,000 Russian tourists "invade" the coastal area between October and March.