Australia has ordered all non-essential government officials stationed in Israel and the United Arab Emirates to leave as security conditions across the Middle East continue to worsen.
The announcement was made by Australia’s foreign minister, Penny Wong, who said the move was necessary because of the rapidly deteriorating security situation in the region. Wong said that while non-essential staff are being withdrawn, essential Australian officials will remain in both countries to continue supporting Australian citizens who may require assistance.
The Australian government has also reiterated its travel advisory urging citizens not to travel to Israel or the United Arab Emirates, warning that the security environment could deteriorate further.
In a message shared on social media platform X, Wong urged Australians currently in the region to leave while commercial travel options remain available. “We urge you to leave the Middle East if you can and if it’s safe to do so,” she said. “Don’t wait until it’s too late. It may be the last chance for some time.”
According to the government in Canberra, approximately 115,000 Australian nationals are currently across the Middle East, and about 2,600 citizens have already returned home since the escalation of tensions in the region.