
Israel reiterates travel warning for UAE amid terror threat
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Diverging Reports Breakdown
Israel bombs multiple areas in Lebanon, including Bekaa Valley, Baalbek
Lebanese President reiterates calls for Hezbollah to hand over its weapons. Israel has launched a series of air strikes on areas near the Lebanese border. The strikes are in violation of a ceasefire agreement reached last November. Hezbollah has refused to give up its weapons despite pressure from the U.S. and others. The U.N. Security Council has called for the group to hand its weapons over to the Lebanese army. The Israeli military has threatened to continue its attacks until the deal is reached. The US has said it will not accept a deal that does not include the handover of Hezbollah’s weapons. The UN has also called for an end to all Israeli military operations in the Middle East, including in the region around Lebanon, and for the withdrawal of all Israeli troops from the region. The Lebanese government has rejected the calls for a ceasefire, saying it is in the interests of the Lebanese people to continue to fight the Israeli military. The United Nations has called on all sides to refrain from any further attacks on the other side of the border.
The Israeli military has launched a massive series of air strikes on several areas across Lebanon, in its latest near-daily violation of a ceasefire agreement with the Lebanese armed group Hezbollah last November.
Lebanon’s National News Agency reported at least seven air raids on towns in the Bekaa Valley and a mountainous region in Baalbek in the eastern and northeastern parts of the country, far from the southern border with Israel on Thursday. It also said more attacks targeted the Ghaziyeh area of south Lebanon, leading to a fire at a warehouse.
Israel’s Defence Minister Katz confirmed that Israel was launching what he described as a “violent renewed attack on the largest site for the production of precision missiles belonging to Hezbollah in Lebanon”, according to local broadcaster Channel 12.
“Every attempt by the terrorist organisation to recover, reposition, or threaten will be met with relentless force”, Channel 12 reported Katz as saying.
The Israeli raids targeted the outskirts of Brital town and Nasiriyah town in Tallet al-Sunduq area in the Bekaa Valley, as well as the vicinity of Jarmak area in Jezzine, and the areas of Mahmoudiya and Khardali.
The footage below, which has been verified by Al Jazeera, shows large plumes of smoke rising after the attacks.
Disarming Hezbollah, ending Israeli hostilities
Earlier Thursday, Lebanese President Joseph Aoun reiterated calls for Hezbollah to hand over its weapons to the army, a move rejected by the group despite growing pressure from Israel’s main ally, the United States.
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In a televised speech on Thursday at the Defence Ministry’s headquarters, Aoun said authorities were demanding “the extension of the Lebanese state’s authority over all its territory, the removal of weapons from all armed groups, including Hezbollah and their handover to the Lebanese army”.
He added it was every party’s duty “to seize this historic opportunity and push without hesitation towards affirming the army and security forces’ monopoly on weapons over all Lebanese territory … in order to regain the world’s confidence”.
Aoun’s comments came a day after Hezbollah chief Naim Qassem dismissed calls for the group’s disarmament, saying that “anyone calling today for the surrender of weapons, whether internally or externally, on the Arab or the international stage, is serving the Israeli project”.
Hezbollah officials have said they will not discuss giving up the group’s remaining arsenal until Israel, with which it fought an all-out war recently, withdraws from all of Lebanon and ends its strikes.
“For the thousandth time, I assure you that my concern in having a [state] weapons monopoly comes from my concern to defend Lebanon’s sovereignty and borders, to liberate the occupied Lebanese territories and build a state that welcomes all its citizens”, said Aoun on Thursday, addressing Hezbollah’s supporters as an “essential pillar” of society.
The conflict between Israel and Hezbollah began on October 8, 2023, as the Lebanese group launched strikes in solidarity with the Palestinian group Hamas in Gaza, which was coming under Israeli attack. Although a ceasefire was reached last November, Israel has kept up its air attacks on Lebanon and has threatened to continue until Hezbollah has been disarmed.
Under the terms of the ceasefire, Hezbollah was to withdraw its fighters north of the Litani River, about 30km (20 miles) from the Israeli border. Israel, meanwhile, was meant to pull all of its troops out of Lebanon, but has kept them in five areas it deems strategic.
Aoun, in his speech, also demanded the withdrawal of Israeli troops, the release of Lebanese prisoners and “an immediate cessation of Israeli hostilities”.
“Today, we must choose between collapse and stability,” he said.
The ceasefire was based on a previous United Nations Security Council resolution that said only the Lebanese military and UN peacekeepers should possess weapons in the country’s south, and that all non-state groups should be disarmed.
However, that resolution went unfulfilled for years, with the Iran-backed political party and armed group’s arsenal before the latest war seen as far superior to the army’s, and the group wielding extensive political influence.
The US has been pushing Lebanon to issue a formal cabinet decision committing to disarm Hezbollah before talks can resume on a halt to Israeli military operations in the country, five sources familiar with the matter told the Reuters news agency.
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Lebanon has proposed modifications to “ideas” submitted by the US on Hezbollah’s disarmament, Aoun said in his speech, and a plan would be discussed at a cabinet meeting next week to “establish a timetable for implementation”.
Under the Lebanese proposal, there would be an “immediate cessation of Israeli hostilities” in Lebanon, including air strikes and targeted killing, a full withdrawal of Israeli forces from southern Lebanon and the release of Lebanese prisoners held in Israel, the president added.
Aoun said Lebanon’s proposal also calls for international donors to contribute $1bn annually for 10 years to beef up the Lebanese army’s capabilities and for an international donor conference to raise funds in the coming months for the reconstruction of Lebanese areas damaged and destroyed during last year’s war between Israel and Hezbollah.
Lebanon, for its part, would implement the “withdrawal of the weapons of all armed forces, including Hezbollah, and their surrender to the Lebanese Army”, he said.
UAE Reaffirms Travel Warning for Israelis: Impact on Tourism and Security Concerns
The National Security Council (NSC) of Israel issued a renewed and reiterated travel warning for Israelis planning to visit the United Arab Emirates (UAE) This warning comes in light of heightened concerns over potential terrorist activities targeting Israeli and Jewish individuals. The NSC’s travel advisory is issued at a level 3, the highest alert, urging Israeli citizens to reconsider non-essential travel to the UAE. The warning highlights the rising likelihood of attacks during specific times, such as Jewish holidays and Shabbat. The UAE has long been a sought-after destination for Israelis, particularly since the normalization of diplomatic relations through the Abraham Accords signed in 2020. Israelis have increasingly traveled to Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and other parts of the UAE to enjoy luxury tourism, business opportunities, and modern cultural experiences. For many Israelis, traveling to a destination that is perceived as risky is no longer appealing. The fear of becoming a potential target or being caught in a potential terrorist attack overadows the allure of the Emirates.
On Thursday, July 31, 2025, the National Security Council (NSC) of Israel issued a renewed and reiterated travel warning for Israelis planning to visit the United Arab Emirates (UAE). This warning comes in light of heightened concerns over potential terrorist activities targeting Israeli and Jewish individuals. The NSC’s travel advisory is issued at a level 3, the highest alert, urging Israeli citizens to reconsider non-essential travel to the UAE, especially due to escalating tensions in the region.
According to the NSC, terrorist organizations, including Hamas, Hezbollah, Iranian operatives, and Global Jihadist groups, have increased their focus on Israeli and Jewish targets, particularly in neighboring countries like the UAE. The warning highlights the rising likelihood of attacks during specific times, such as Jewish holidays and Shabbat. This has profound implications for Israeli tourism in the UAE, a popular travel destination for Israelis seeking both business and leisure opportunities.
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The Current Security Situation and Threat Assessment
The NSC’s travel warning stems from an assessment that terrorist organizations are increasingly motivated by a desire for revenge following Israel’s recent military operations, notably Operation Rising Lion and Operation Iron Swords. The NSC has also cited the inflammatory anti-Israel and pro-Palestinian rhetoric that has grown louder in the wake of the ongoing conflicts, exacerbated by the starvation campaign launched by Hamas.
These factors combined create an environment of heightened risk for Israeli citizens traveling to countries where pro-Palestinian and anti-Israel sentiments are strong. The UAE, with its considerable Jewish and Israeli expatriate presence, is a known destination for business, tourism, and diplomatic relations. However, the NSC’s warning underlines the possibility of coordinated attacks by these organizations, especially around high-profile Jewish gatherings or religious observances.
The UAE, while a stable and welcoming country for many international tourists, now faces the challenge of maintaining security for all travelers, including Israelis. The government has taken steps to bolster security, but the threat persists. This has led to a reduction in the overall confidence of Israeli citizens considering the UAE as a destination for both leisure and business travel.
The Impact on Tourism: A Diminishing Appeal for Israelis
The UAE has long been a sought-after destination for Israelis, particularly since the normalization of diplomatic relations through the Abraham Accords signed in 2020. The agreements opened up new avenues for tourism, trade, and cultural exchange between Israel and the UAE. Israelis have increasingly traveled to Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and other parts of the UAE to enjoy luxury tourism, business opportunities, and modern cultural experiences. The UAE’s tourism sector, especially its hospitality, retail, and entertainment industries, has greatly benefitted from this influx of Israeli visitors.
However, with the renewed security concerns and the NSC’s heightened travel warning, the UAE’s tourism industry could see a dip in Israeli travelers. The region’s appeal as a high-end, cosmopolitan destination may be tarnished for Israeli citizens, who will likely reassess their travel plans to avoid potential security threats. While the UAE remains a major international hub, the specific decline in Israeli tourism could affect the overall visitor numbers, particularly during Jewish holidays when Israeli tourists tend to travel more frequently.
Israeli travelers might seek alternative destinations in Europe, Asia, and other parts of the Middle East where the security situation is perceived as safer. This could result in financial losses for the tourism industry in the UAE, which had initially seen a surge in visitors following the normalization of relations. Hotels, airlines, and tour operators that cater to Israeli tourists might experience cancellations or lower-than-expected bookings in the coming months.
A Shift in Israeli Travel Preferences
The renewed travel warning is not just a reflection of political tensions but also a shift in Israeli travel preferences. Israelis are known for their strong sense of community and family, and their travel decisions are often influenced by safety concerns. When the government issues a warning, it tends to carry significant weight, especially when it pertains to the risk of terrorist attacks.
As a result, Israeli tourists who may have once flocked to the UAE for its luxury resorts, shopping, and cultural experiences are now more likely to reconsider their plans. For many Israelis, traveling to a destination perceived as risky, particularly one that is already a target of hostile groups, is no longer appealing. The fear of becoming a potential target or being caught in a terrorist attack overshadows the allure of the UAE’s glamorous tourism offerings.
This shift could also have an effect on the wider Middle Eastern tourism landscape. As Israeli travelers avoid the UAE, they may instead visit destinations that offer similar amenities but are perceived as safer. Countries like Jordan, Turkey, or Egypt, which also appeal to Israeli tourists, could see an uptick in bookings, as these destinations do not face the same level of security concerns associated with the UAE.
UAE’s Response to Heightened Security Threats
In response to the heightened threats, the UAE government has ramped up security measures, particularly in areas frequented by tourists. The country’s national security apparatus has increased its surveillance efforts, focusing on preventing terrorist activities from affecting foreign nationals, including Israelis. The UAE is keen to maintain its reputation as a global hub for business and tourism, and the government has publicly reiterated its commitment to ensuring the safety of all visitors.
Despite these assurances, the uncertainty surrounding potential attacks on Israeli citizens means that the perception of safety in the UAE has been compromised. Tourists are likely to scrutinize their destinations more carefully, opting for those where security risks are minimized. Furthermore, the presence of increased security measures may also make tourists feel uncomfortable or wary, particularly if they feel the need for heightened vigilance throughout their trip.
The UAE’s tourism and diplomatic authorities will need to continue strengthening their collaborations with global security agencies and implement additional safeguards to maintain trust and keep visitors safe. The current geopolitical climate has forced the UAE to walk a fine line between being a welcoming destination for international tourists and addressing the growing security concerns arising from its involvement in Middle Eastern diplomacy.
Long-Term Implications for Israeli and UAE Relations
The ongoing travel advisory has broader implications for the relationship between Israel and the UAE. While the Abraham Accords have paved the way for greater cooperation in tourism, trade, and cultural exchanges, the threat of terrorism poses a challenge to this growing partnership. The UAE, while striving to remain an attractive destination for Israeli tourists, must also confront the realities of heightened security threats and the possible decline in Israeli visitor numbers.
Over time, the travel warning and the broader security concerns could have a lasting impact on the strength of the tourism relationship. However, the UAE’s commitment to enhancing its security protocols and the continued normalization of diplomatic relations may help mitigate some of the negative effects in the long run. It will require continued dialogue, collaboration, and a shared commitment to peace and stability for both countries to navigate these challenges effectively.
Conclusion: Navigating the Future of Tourism Amid Security Concerns
As the National Security Council’s warning to Israeli travelers highlights, security concerns are a critical factor shaping the future of tourism in the UAE. While the country remains a prime tourist destination, the renewed focus on potential threats has already started to alter travel plans for many Israelis. The UAE’s ability to address these concerns and provide a secure environment for all tourists will be pivotal in maintaining its position as a global tourism hub. Moving forward, it will be essential for both Israel and the UAE to continue fostering a collaborative approach to security, ensuring that tourism remains a sustainable and safe part of their evolving relationship.
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Israelis warned to avoid UAE after killing of Moldovan-Israeli rabbi
Zvi Kogan, a young rabbi who once served in Israel’s Givati Brigade, was confirmed dead on Sunday. If confirmed as a political assassination, it could signal a broader threat of attacks against Israelis abroad. Israel had listed the UAE as a level three, or medium threat, reiterating the warnings in the wake of the killing, advising it is a destination for essential travel only. Israel’s Channel 12 reported that Israeli and Emirati security agencies suspect the young rabbi was murdered by three Uzbek citizens who kidnapped and murdered him, and then fled the country. The community, which is now hundreds strong including Israelis and Jews from around the diaspora, is in shock after the event which comes amid already heightened security in the aftermath of the Gaza war. It comes amid the ongoing war in Gaza in which Iran’s allies around the region have joined Iran-backed Hamas and fired on Israel.
A statement by the Israeli foreign ministry and Prime Minster’s office, said: “The UAE intelligence and security authorities have located the body of Zvi Kogan, who has been missing since Thursday, November 21.
“The Israeli mission in Abu Dhabi has been in contact with the family from the start of the event and is continuing to assist it at this difficult time; his family in Israel has also been updated.“
The statement called the incident “an abhorrent act of antisemitic terrorism”.
“The State of Israel will use all means and will deal with the criminals responsible for his death to the fullest extent of the law,” the statement added.
Kogan, a young rabbi who once served in Israel’s Givati Brigade, an elite unit of the army, worked in Dubai at the kosher supermarket which has since been closed temporarily. It was one part of the growing Jewish life which has been a byproduct of the 2020 US-brokered Abraham Accords facilitating diplomatic ties between Israel and countries including the UAE.
The community, which is now hundreds strong including Israelis and Jews from around the diaspora, is in shock after the event which comes amid already heightened security in the wake of the Gaza war.
Israel had listed the UAE as a level three, or medium threat, reiterating the warnings in the wake of the killing, advising it is a destination for essential travel only.
“This also serves as a reminder that for a while, per the recommendations of the National Security Council (NSC), there has been a level 3 – moderate travel warning issued for the UAE, with a recommendation to avoid any non-essential travel to the country, and for those who are in the country – take extra precautions,” a statement said Sunday from Israel’s Prime Minister’s office.
While there has so far been no official mention of Iran, Israeli media reported it is a suspected Iran-backed attack, similar to those of 2020 and 2014.
German-Iranian Jamshid Sharmahd was abducted by Iranian agents from his hotel in Dubai while on a layover in 2020. He was later transferred to Iran and sentenced to death. On November 5, a spokesman for the Iranian judiciary said Sharmahd died in custody on October 28 before he could be executed.
Israel’s Channel 12 reported that Israeli and Emirati security agencies suspect the young rabbi was murdered by three Uzbek citizens. who kidnapped and murdered him, and then fled the country.
In announcements regarding the search for the missing resident, the UAE did not announce that Kogan was Israeli, only mentioning his Moldovan nationality.
Planned attacks on Israelis and Jews around the world have been stepping up over the last year amid the war, with multiple plots inside and outside Israel foiled, including against high level targets such as the Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu.
Since 2020, Reuters reported that there have been at least 33 assassination or abduction attempts in the West in which local or Israeli authorities allege an Iran link, according to court documents and public statements by government officials.
Among recent alleged targets was a Chabad center in Athens, the same organization Kogen was affiliated with as a rabbi, which has hundreds of centers around the world.
Israeli President Isaac Herzog said on Sunday: “I mourn with sorrow and outrage the murder of Rabbi Zvi Kogan. This vile antisemitic attack is a reminder of the inhumanity of the enemies of the Jewish people.”
It comes amid the ongoing war in Gaza in which Iran’s allies around the region have joined Iran-backed Hamas and fired on Israel from Yemen, Lebanon, Syria and Iraq. Iran has also launched two attacks on Israel. The latest retaliation by Israel took out swathes of Iran’s air defenses.
Israel Accuses Iran as Mastermind Behind the Rabbi Murder in UAE
Zvi Kogan, an Israel rabbi from Moldova, was found dead in the United Arab Emirates. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu condemned the murder and vowed to ensure justice. Iran is suspected of kidnapping and then killing British-Iranian citizen Abbas Yazdi in Dubai in 2013. Iran also kidnapped Jamshid Sharmahd, an Iranian-German citizen, in 2020 from Dubai, and took him back to Tehran, where he was executed in October. Israel has a “Level 3” travel warning for the UAE. Israeli citizens have been warned not to upload travel details and photos on social media while visiting.
The body of Rabbi Kogan was found on Sunday morning after he went missing last Thursday.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu condemned the murder and vowed to ensure justice.
“The murder of Zvi Kogan, may he be remembered, is a disgusting act of anti-Semitic terrorism,” said Netanyahu.
He added that Israel will “use all means” to bring the perpetrators to justice.
Rabbi Kogan was a former soldier in the Israeli Givati Brigade and a prominent figure in the Jewish community in the UAE. He was listed in the UAE as a Moldovan citizen, and managed “Rimon Market”, a kosher grocery store in Dubai. His store closed on Sunday, and concerns arose immediately after his disappearance.
Emirati authorities have arrested three Uzbekistan men who are the main suspects in the murder case.
Asher Ben Artzi, former head of Interpol Israel, commented on the incident in an interview with Telegraph.
“Iranian intelligence is very active there and makes great efforts to find Israeli residents who will be targeted for attacks,” he said, adding that “they do not always act alone, often they use agents and sources they recruit. Iranian intelligence operates very boldly and ‘rudely’.”
The Tehran Embassy in the UAE denied its country’s involvement.
Meanwhile, Western intelligence believes Iran has explored retaliatory options.
Reports indicate that Iran may be targeting Israeli and Jewish individuals in response to the October 26 attack when Israel launched missiles to destroy Iranian military sites, including air defense systems and missile factories.
Iran is suspected of kidnapping and then killing British-Iranian citizen Abbas Yazdi in Dubai in 2013, although Tehran denies involvement. Iran also kidnapped Jamshid Sharmahd, an Iranian-German citizen, in 2020 from Dubai, took him back to Tehran, where he was executed in October.
The national security council of the occupying state of Israel reiterates that the UAE has a “Level 3” travel warning.
They further advise their citizens in the UAE to avoid businesses or gatherings related to Israelis or Jews and to hide anything that could identify them as Israeli individuals. Israeli citizens have also been warned not to upload travel details and photos on social media while visiting.
The UAE normalized relations with Israel in 2020 based on the Abraham Accord. However, tensions towards Israel have escalated in the Middle East as occupying forces continue to wage a genocide war in Gaza, and many Arab residents remain loyal to the Palestinian struggle.
Editor’s Choice: UAE: Three Suspects of the Killing of Israeli Rabbi Are from Uzbekistan
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Source: https://www.jns.org/israel-reiterates-travel-warning-for-uae-amid-terror-threat/