Israel’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has ordered the immediate evacuation of most of its diplomats and their families from the United Arab Emirates (UAE) due to a significant security threat, according to reports from Hebrew-language media outlets. The directive was issued on Thursday evening and applies to staff stationed at the Israeli embassy in Abu Dhabi and the consulate general in Dubai.

The evacuation order affects the majority of diplomatic staff and their families, although Israeli Ambassador to the UAE, Yossi Shelley, is expected to remain until the final stages of the withdrawal. The Foreign Ministry has declined to elaborate on the nature of the threat, stating only that it does not comment on security instructions issued to its personnel.

This sudden move comes amid an elevated travel warning issued by Israel’s National Security Council for the UAE, based on intelligence indicating a heightened risk of attacks targeting Israeli and Jewish nationals. The Council has particularly warned of potential incidents during religious holidays or public gatherings.

In a public statement, the Council noted that threats have increased following Israel’s recent confrontations with Iran and its allies, including Hamas and Hezbollah, as well as global jihadist organizations. These groups are reportedly intensifying their efforts to target Israeli interests abroad, prompting the updated security assessment.

The Council also suggested that the growing threat is a response to Israel’s perceived military successes against Iranian-linked forces, leading to fears of retaliatory actions.

Tensions have also been exacerbated by the ongoing conflict in Gaza, where Israel’s military operations have drawn widespread condemnation. International critics have accused Israel of conducting a deliberate "starvation campaign" against the civilian population in Gaza, further inflaming anti-Israel sentiment in various parts of the world, including the Middle East.

Amid this backdrop, Israeli authorities have issued additional safety recommendations for Israeli citizens currently residing or traveling in the UAE. These include avoiding public displays of Israeli identity, such as wearing clothing with Hebrew inscriptions or religious symbols, and steering clear of places associated with Jewish or Israeli institutions and events.

While the UAE and Israel formally normalized diplomatic relations in 2020 under the Abraham Accords, the regional dynamics have shifted considerably since the start of Israel’s latest military operations in Gaza. Public sentiment in several Arab nations, including those with official ties to Israel, has grown increasingly critical in light of mounting civilian casualties and the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.

The decision to pull out diplomatic personnel from the UAE underscores the severity of the perceived threat and highlights growing concerns over the safety of Israeli citizens abroad. It also raises questions about the stability of Israel's diplomatic presence in Gulf countries amid rising regional tensions and deepening geopolitical fault lines.

As of now, no specific incident has been publicly cited as the immediate cause of the evacuation, but the move suggests Israeli security services are taking the threat with utmost seriousness. The National Security Council continues to monitor developments and has advised all Israelis in the UAE to remain on high alert and strictly follow the issued safety guidelines.

According to regional observers, the evacuation may also signal a broader reassessment of Israeli diplomatic security in other countries deemed to be at risk.