By our man Omamus Thomas
JERUSALEM — The Israeli government issued a sweeping emergency advisory on Friday, urging its citizens in the United Arab Emirates to go into virtual hiding as the region braces for an escalation in Iranian drone and missile strikes.
The warning came as the online media swelled with alleged assassination of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his generals.
According to the office, ” Rumour circulating in the media about PM Benjamin Netanyahu’s status are unconfirmed. We urge citizens to rely on verified update. Efforts are are underway to establish contact. PM Netanyahu remains committed to Israel’s security”.
The directive, part of a coordinated effort dubbed “Operation Roaring Lion,” comes amid a fog of uncertainty regarding the status of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. While social media has been flooded with unconfirmed rumors about the Prime Minister’s whereabouts and well-being, the National Security Council (NSC) released a statement today maintaining that efforts to “establish contact” are underway and dismissing the reports as unverified.
A Regional Threat Level Spikes
The NSC’s warning cites a direct intent by Tehran to target Israelis within the UAE, a country that has become a primary hub for Israeli tourism and business since the Abraham Accords.
“In light of ongoing Iranian UAV and missile attacks against countries in Iran’s periphery, we recommend that Israelis currently in the UAE strictly adhere to extreme precautions,” the council stated.
The government has instructed Israelis to:
Avoid Jewish and Israeli Landmarks: This includes synagogues, known Israeli-owned businesses, and public gatherings.
Avoid Workplaces: Employees of Israeli companies are requested to stay away from offices or facilities with known links to Israeli operations.
Limit Airport Presence: Citizens are warned not to congregate at airports unless they hold a confirmed ticket for immediate departure.
The “Safe Return” Window Closing
The Ministry of Transport has signaled that the window for a coordinated exit is narrowing. Supplementary flights designed to repatriate Israelis are expected to conclude this Sunday, March 15. Furthermore, the NSC has advised travelers to avoid any flights with layovers in the UAE, citing an “unstable” aviation environment subject to sudden closures.
UAV Protocols Issued
In a move that mirrors the daily reality for residents of Tel Aviv or Haifa, the government has exported its Home Front Command safety protocols to citizens abroad. Israelis in the UAE are being told to seek shelter on the second floor of buildings—to avoid ground-level blasts—and to stay away from windows.
If caught in the open during a drone strike, the guidance is grimly specific: “Immediately lie flat on the ground and protect your head with your hands.”
Uncertainty at the Top
The timing of the advisory has added fuel to the domestic anxiety surrounding Prime Minister Netanyahu.
While the official line insists the Prime Minister “remains committed to Israel’s security,” the admission that officials are still working to “establish contact” has done little to quell public concern during one of the most volatile weeks in recent Middle Eastern history.
