Israeli media outlets have reported that Israel is in the process of evacuating the majority of its diplomatic mission staff from the United Arab Emirates.
The decision came late Thursday amid an escalation in the travel warning issued by Israel’s National Security Council (NSC) for Israelis residing in or visiting the UAE.
In a statement, the NSC emphasized that the travel warning stems from an understanding that certain regional organizations are intensifying their efforts to target Israelis.
“We are emphasizing this travel warning given our understanding” that these organizations are increasing their efforts to harm Israelis, the NSC asserted.
As part of the evacuation process, most personnel from the Israeli embassy in Abu Dhabi will be withdrawn, and those remaining will operate under strict security protocols.
The NSC warned of heightened risks of retaliatory attacks against Israeli individuals, particularly in the context of rising anti-Israel sentiments due to its war in Gaza.
“It is believed there is increased motivation for revenge” following Israel’s war with Iran, “in addition to rising anti-Israel incitement and pro-Palestinian sentiment,” the NSC stated.
“In light of this, the NSC emphasizes the potential for terrorist attacks against Israeli and Jewish targets in the UAE, particularly around Jewish holidays and Sabbaths,” it added.
While the Israeli foreign ministry’s spokesperson did not immediately respond to inquiries regarding this situation, there has been no immediate comment from the UAE’s foreign ministry either.
Since October 7, 2023, Israel has been committing genocide against Palestinians in Gaza, resulting in the deaths of at least 60,249 individuals, predominantly women and children, with an additional 146,894 injured due to the ongoing military actions.
Last November, the International Criminal Court issued arrest warrants for Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former minister of military affairs Yoav Gallant, citing war crimes and crimes against humanity in Gaza. Furthermore, Israel is facing a genocide case at the International Court of Justice regarding its actions in the besieged coastal territory.
On June 13, Israel conducted an unprovoked attack on Iran, assassinating high-ranking military officials and nuclear scientists, as well as civilians. Shortly thereafter, the United States intervened by bombing three Iranian nuclear sites, actions that have been criticized as violations of the United Nations Charter, international law, and the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT).
In retaliation, the Iranian Armed Forces targeted strategic sites in the occupied territories and the al-Udeid air base in Qatar, the largest US military base in West Asia. By June 24, Iran’s successful retaliatory operations against both Israel and the United States led to a cessation of the hostilities.
