Israel has evacuated most of its diplomatic staff from the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Reuters reported. The decision comes after Israel's National Security Council issued a travel warning targeting Israeli citizens residing in the Gulf states, News.bg reported.
The Israeli and Jewish communities in the UAE have gained greater visibility since 2020, when the country became the first Arab state in three decades to establish formal relations with Israel. This was made possible by the US-brokered agreement known as the Abraham Accords.
The National Security Council stressed that terrorist organizations are stepping up their efforts to attack Israeli and Jewish citizens, including in the UAE. Special attention is paid to the increased risk around Jewish holidays and during Shabbat.
Israeli authorities are particularly concerned about possible retaliation after a recent military operation against Iran, as well as due to increasing international pressure over the deteriorating humanitarian situation in the Gaza Strip.