TEL AVIV: Israel has withdrawn most of its diplomatic staff from the United Arab Emirates due to heightened security concerns and potential terror threats, Israeli media reported on Saturday.
According to international news agencies, the Israeli National Security Council issued a directive to tighten travel advisories for Israeli citizens residing in or traveling to Gulf countries. The decision comes amid fears of possible terror attacks targeting Israeli nationals and interests in the region.
The move marks a significant shift, given the improving diplomatic ties between Israel and the UAE following the 2020 Abraham Accords. However, the ongoing conflict in Gaza and rising regional tensions have led to increased risks for Israeli representatives abroad.
While the Israeli government has not publicly detailed the nature of the threat, security analysts suggest it may be linked to retaliation threats stemming from Israel’s military operations in Gaza, which have drawn widespread international criticism.
The Israeli embassy in Abu Dhabi is reportedly scaling down its operations until the threat level subsides. Israeli citizens in the UAE have been advised to remain vigilant and avoid crowded or high-profile public areas.
This development adds another layer of complexity to Middle East diplomacy and may influence the dynamics of Israel’s relations with other Arab nations in the region.
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