Israeli airline El Al reported that 140 suitcases bound for Israel from the United States were left behind at Los Angeles International Airport after “Free Palestine” stickers were found affixed to the luggage, leading to a security review and flight delay.

The flight, which was scheduled to depart from Los Angeles to Tel Aviv on Monday, experienced a significant delay before takeoff after airport and airline personnel discovered the political stickers on dozens of bags during the baggage loading process. The presence of the stickers raised security concerns, prompting staff to inspect each affected suitcase before the flight could proceed.

According to passengers on board, initial announcements cited a normal delay of about 25 minutes, but the situation quickly became more serious once the luggage issue was identified. El Al staff later informed travelers that the plane would depart without the 140 marked suitcases because detailed checks were taking too long.

When the plane landed in Israel, passengers were informed that their luggage had not been transported and that those bags would be placed on the next available direct flight to Tel Aviv from Los Angeles.

El Al officials told the media that baggage screening was conducted rigorously in accordance with Aviation Security regulations under Israel’s Airport Security Division and Shin Bet guidelines. A spokesperson said the delay and missing baggage were due to a decision by security personnel to carry out extensive checks in response to the stickers, and that better safe than sorry. Security personnel expressed concern about how an employee was able to place the stickers on so many bags in the first place and questioned how similar items might be prevented in the future.