Israel’s National Security Council (NSC) Advisory
Israel’s National Security Council (NSC) has heightened its travel warnings for Israeli citizens visiting or residing in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), warning of a growing risk of attacks by “terrorist organisations” in response to Israel UAE terror threat UAE terror threat’s recent military operations in Iran and Gaza.
Iranian and Palestinian Groups as Key Threats
In a statement released on Thursday, the NSC cited increased threats from groups such as Iran, Hamas, Hezbollah, and Global Jihad, stating that these organisations are likely to target Israeli and Jewish individuals in the Gulf state. The threat is driven by rising regional tensions and what the NSC describes as a heightened desire among such groups to retaliate for Israeli military actions.
The warning comes against the backdrop of “Operation Rising Lion” and “Operation Iron Swords”—Israeli military operations against Iranian and Palestinian targets—alongside accusations that Hamas is spearheading a “starvation campaign” in Gaza. The NSC stated that incitement against Israel UAE terror threat has significantly increased since the onset of these operations, particularly in light of the worsening humanitarian crisis in Gaza caused by ongoing restrictions on aid.
Israel’s military campaign in Gaza, which includes a prolonged blockade preventing humanitarian assistance from reaching the enclave, has drawn increasing international criticism. The NSC warned that such developments may lead hostile entities to shift their focus to Israeli and Jewish targets abroad—particularly in countries perceived as more accessible and less guarded, such as the UAE.
Jewish Holidays and Shabbat: High-Risk Periods
“In the past, terrorist organisations have often looked beyond Israel’s borders to strike,” the NSC said. “Our assessment is that they may now seek to carry out attacks in neighbouring countries like the UAE, especially around Jewish religious events such as holidays and Shabbat.”
The NSC reiterated this risk in light of what it called “past experience” that indicates foreign-based Israeli and Jewish communities become focal points for attacks during periods of regional tension. With Jewish observances typically involving communal gatherings, these occasions are seen as particularly vulnerable.
Abraham Accords Community Growth Raises Visibility of Israeli Targets?
The UAE, widely considered one of the safest destinations in the Middle East, became the most prominent Arab state to normalise relations with Israel UAE terror threat in over three decades, when it signed the Abraham Accords in 2020 under United States mediation. Since then, the Israeli and Jewish community in the UAE has grown in size and visibility. However, this increasing presence also potentially places Jewish and Israeli citizens in the UAE at greater risk.
Travel Advisory Remains at Level 3, Caution Urged
The NSC has not upgraded the travel advisory level, which remains at level 3. This level advises against non-essential travel and encourages Israeli nationals to “seriously reconsider” plans to visit the UAE.
Despite the warming political ties between the two countries and the relative safety historically associated with the UAE, Israeli authorities are urging vigilance and caution. The warning underscores the complicated balancing act facing countries like the UAE, which are trying to maintain both regional security partnerships and new diplomatic relationships.
Conclusion
While the NSC’s advisory is not a formal travel ban, it reflects Israel UAE terror threat’s broader concerns over regional security volatility and the potential for retaliation outside traditional conflict zones. Citizens are urged to remain alert, avoid large gatherings, and stay updated on official advisories as regional dynamics continue to evolve.
