Israel mission wants to train its staff at police shooting range

Although the shooting range, situated at New Police Lines, comes under the Delhi Police Academy, the security division handles security matters related to the Israel Embassy. Therefore, the letter was sent to the security division first, a source said.

Smoke rises from the site of an Israeli airstrike in Dahiyeh, Beirut, Lebanon. (AP Photo/Hassan Ammar)

A senior officer of the security establishment told The Indian Express that this must be the first time an embassy has asked them to provide their shooting range. “We are discussing the matter with the senior authorities and as of now, are likely to reject their request. But we are yet to take a final decision,” the officer said.

In its letter, the embassy has not cited any reason for its request, a source said. Nor has it mentioned the number of security personnel who will come for shooting practice.

Queries sent to the Delhi Police spokesperson and Special CP (security division) did not elicit a response. Queries were also sent to the Israel Embassy for comments regarding the reasons behind this request, but there was no response.

Meanwhile, the security unit and the New Delhi district police have stepped up security around the Israel Embassy on Dr APJ Abdul Kalam Road amid the growing tension in West Asia. The number of security personnel as well as PCR vans have also been increased, sources said.

The central security agencies have already alerted Director Generals of Police of all states and Union Territories to provide adequate security to “Israeli/Jewish facilities, events, premises, workplaces as well as Chabad houses and large gatherings”.

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Since 2021, two low-intensity explosions have taken place near the Israel Embassy in New Delhi. On January 29, 2021, a crude bomb went off around 100 metres from the embassy. This occurred on the day India and Israel marked the 29th anniversary of their diplomatic relations. The second incident took place on December 26, 2023, when a low-intensity explosion was reported near the embassy. No one was injured in either incident, but both cases remain unsolved.