UAE Demands Israeli Ambassador Withdrawal Over Misconduct Allegations

Israeli Ambassador to the United Arab Emirates, Yossi Shelley, has come under intense scrutiny following multiple incidents of alleged inappropriate behavior, including an undignified episode at a bar in Abu Dhabi and clashes with local security personnel. Emirati officials have expressed strong dissatisfaction, describing Shelley's conduct as violating local customs and diplomatic standards, and have reportedly communicated to Israel their desire for his removal. Despite these complaints and his exclusion from official meetings and government ministries in the UAE, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has so far refused to recall Shelley, who is closely connected to Netanyahu and his wife. Shelley's security team documented several incidents, including breaches of security protocols and unprofessional conduct, which have damaged Israel’s diplomatic reputation in the Emirates. While some Israeli media and officials acknowledge the seriousness of the situation, Netanyahu’s office denies any decision to remove Shelley, even as efforts reportedly continue to find him a new position domestically. The tensions highlight a rare diplomatic rift between Israel and the UAE, underscoring the delicate nature of their relationship amid ongoing regional dynamics.