ISTANBUL

Israel’s Foreign Ministry ordered most of its diplomats and their families to immediately leave the United Arab Emirates late Thursday, citing a potential security threat, Israeli media reported

The evacuation order applies to staff at Israel’s embassy in Abu Dhabi and its consulate in Dubai, the Yedioth Ahronoth daily said, adding “the unusual order is attributed to a possible credible threat.”

The ministry refused to comment on the report, saying: "We do not comment on security instructions given to our employees.”

The report added that the National Security Council also issued a travel warning for the UAE over its understanding that Iran, Hamas and Hezbollah “are increasing their efforts to harm Israel.”