Heightened Travel Warnings: Israeli Nationals in the UAE on Alert

The Israeli Prime Minister's office announced that the National Security Council has raised its travel advisory level for Israelis staying in the United Arab Emirates. This heightened warning stems from potential threats by terrorist groups, including the Iranians, Hamas, Hezbollah, and Global Jihad, which are believed to be intensifying their efforts to target Israelis.

Since establishing formal ties with Israel in 2020 through the Abraham Accords, the Israeli and Jewish community in the UAE has become more prominent. The National Security Council warns of increased threats around Jewish holidays and Shabbat, highlighting concerns following military operations in Iran and international pressure on Israel regarding the Gaza Strip crisis. Notably, the UAE foreign ministry has yet to comment on these warnings.

Adding to the tensions, three individuals were recently sentenced to death in the UAE for the murder of an Israeli-Moldovan rabbi in November, an unusual crime in a nation regarded as one of the Middle East's safest territories. This incident underscores the emerging security risks for Israeli residents and visitors in the area.

(With inputs from agencies.)