Israel asks diplomats, families to leave UAE, issues travel advisory over ‘credible threat’

Israel is evacuating most of its diplomatic staff from the United Arab Emirates, following a heightened travel advisory issued by Israel’s National Security Council (NSC) for its citizens in the Gulf nation, international media reported.

The NSC said the updated warning is based on intelligence that groups — including Iran, Hamas, Hezbollah, and other networks — are increasing efforts to target Israelis. It also warned of possible threats to Israeli and Jewish persons in the UAE, particularly around Jewish holidays and the weekly Shabbat.

The Israeli foreign ministry has not yet issued a formal statement, and the UAE’s foreign ministry also remains silent on the matter.

Israel’s concerns come amid fears of potential retaliation following its recent military operations against Iran, and as global pressure mounts over the humanitarian situation in Gaza.

The Israeli and Jewish community in the UAE has grown since the 2020 Abraham Accords, which saw the UAE become the most prominent Arab nation in decades to formalize ties with Israel.

In a rare case of violence in the UAE, three persons were sentenced to death in March for the killing of an Israeli-Moldovan rabbi in November.