Netanyahu circles weigh exit strategy for Yossi Shelley amid mounting embarrassment, but PM’s office denies decision
The man once considered one of Benjamin Netanyahu’s most trusted lieutenants might soon be on a plane back to Tel Aviv — and not by choice.
Yossi Shelley, Israel’s ambassador to the United Arab Emirates, is reportedly facing a quiet but deliberate removal from his post after what insiders are calling an “embarrassing” night out in Abu Dhabi that raised diplomatic eyebrows and Emirati ire. It’s the kind of episode that diplomats fear: private behavior spilling into public consequence, with government channels now scrambling to contain the mess.
A Friday night that won’t be forgotten in Abu Dhabi
The trouble began several months ago, though it only recently surfaced. On a casual Friday night, Shelley, who once ran Netanyahu’s Prime Minister’s Office, was spotted in a bar in Abu Dhabi with friends.
By itself, that wasn’t unusual. But according to Channel 12 news, Shelley reportedly behaved in a way that “crossed boundaries of personal space.” Details are vague, but the language being used by officials suggests there were inappropriate physical interactions.
One sentence in the report summed it up: “Undignified.”
It didn’t take long for word to reach the Emirati leadership. Their response? Silence — officially. But behind closed doors, officials in the UAE were livid. They reportedly sent informal but sharp messages to Israeli counterparts, expressing “deep displeasure.”
Netanyahu’s people are already shopping around for Shelley’s next job
Shelley’s days in Abu Dhabi might already be numbered. According to Tuesday’s follow-up report by Channel 12, people close to Netanyahu are working on a soft landing — a new role back in Israel that allows Shelley to exit without too much noise.
It’s not the first time Netanyahu has moved allies into quiet roles after controversies. Shelley himself got his ambassadorship after serving as Netanyahu’s chief of staff.
That said, the current situation is more sensitive than usual. Relations between Israel and the UAE, formalized in the 2020 Abraham Accords, have been one of Netanyahu’s flagship diplomatic achievements. Risking that relationship over a personal scandal would be politically costly.
Still, the Prime Minister’s Office pushed back Tuesday evening. “Contrary to reports,” it said in a statement, “Prime Minister Netanyahu has not decided to return the Israeli ambassador to the United Arab Emirates, Yossi Shelley, to Israel.”
Diplomatic headaches in a region where image matters
The UAE is not just another partner. It’s the poster child of Israel’s efforts to build bridges with the Arab world. And its political culture puts a heavy premium on discretion, decorum, and public image.
So, for a senior Israeli diplomat to behave in a way that even mildly offends Emirati norms? That’s a landmine.
Shelley’s status as a Netanyahu confidant adds another layer. He’s not some anonymous bureaucrat; he’s tied directly to the heart of Israeli power. Which means the fallout isn’t just personal — it’s political.
And while the Emiratis have avoided making the issue public, that doesn’t mean they’re staying quiet behind the scenes. Diplomats familiar with the region say the message has been received loud and clear in Jerusalem.
Not the first Shelley scandal — and maybe not the last
This isn’t Shelley’s first brush with controversy. Before becoming ambassador, his appointment raised eyebrows due to his limited diplomatic experience. Critics accused Netanyahu of favoritism.
Now, the latest incident has reignited those questions.
Some say Shelley’s conduct reflects deeper problems in the way top posts are filled — based more on loyalty than qualifications. Others argue it’s an isolated error and shouldn’t overshadow the progress made in Israel-UAE ties.
Still, one thing is clear: this latest story doesn’t help.
Here’s a quick timeline of Shelley’s career:
| Year | Position | Notable Detail |
|---|---|---|
| 2016 | Chief of Staff to Netanyahu | Appointed despite criticism over lack of political background |
| 2021 | Appointed Ambassador to UAE | Came amid historic Abraham Accords momentum |
| 2025 | Alleged incident in Abu Dhabi | Triggered informal complaints from UAE officials |
The awkward silence from Israel’s foreign ministry
One particularly odd part of this story is the silence from Israel’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs. You’d expect them to be the first to speak — or at least issue a non-denial denial.
But so far? Nothing.
That may be because Shelley was a political appointee, not a career diplomat. His loyalty has always been to Netanyahu, not the foreign ministry.
Some insiders speculate the ministry might be happy to see him go. Diplomats, after all, tend to bristle when political allies parachute into their world without credentials.
And this scandal might just be their “told you so” moment.
UAE hasn’t said a word, but their message is deafening
Emirati officials haven’t gone on record. No statements. No leaks. No press briefings. Nothing.
But silence, in this case, isn’t passive. It’s tactical.
The UAE has built a reputation on subtle but firm diplomacy. Public spats aren’t their style — especially with allies. But they’re not pushovers either.
By using unofficial channels, they’ve conveyed their position without igniting headlines or diplomatic showdowns. And the effect? It’s working.
Israel’s leadership has been thrown into damage-control mode — trying to downplay the story while scrambling to keep the broader relationship intact.
One sentence was all it took, reportedly passed via backchannel: “We expect appropriate conduct.”
What happens next? Depends on the politics, not the protocol
Shelley may not be formally recalled yet. But the writing’s on the wall.
His removal would be more about optics than procedure. Officially, his term could be wrapped up quietly, framed as part of a regular rotation.
But make no mistake — if he leaves, it won’t be routine.
The bigger question is whether this becomes a political issue inside Israel. Opposition lawmakers might seize on it to criticize Netanyahu’s appointment culture. Others may simply let it fade.
Either way, the Shelley saga is a reminder: personal behavior can ripple far beyond the room it happens in. Especially when that room is in Abu Dhabi.
