UAE arrests three suspects in murder of Israeli rabbi Zvi Kogan
The circumstances of the murder are still unclear, with reports suggesting that the killing may be linked to wider regional tensions
DUBAI: The United Arab Emirates (UAE) authorities have arrested three individuals in connection with the murder of Israeli Rabbi Zvi Kogan, 28, whose body was discovered on Sunday in the city of Al Ain. Kogan, a resident of the UAE and a member of the New York-based Chabad movement, had been reported missing on Thursday before his remains were found in a remote area near the Oman border.
The UAE’s interior ministry confirmed the arrests but provided no further details about the suspects or potential charges. The ministry emphasized that the country would take “decisive and without leniency” action against any threats to societal stability.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu condemned the killing, labeling it a “heinous antisemitic terrorist act” and vowed to bring those responsible to justice. The Israeli Foreign Ministry stated that all Israeli agencies were involved in the investigation, which initially indicated that Kogan had been last seen at a kosher supermarket in Dubai.
The circumstances of the murder are still unclear, with reports suggesting that the killing may be linked to wider regional tensions. Former Israeli politician Ayoob Kara, who is in Dubai, noted that there are suspicions of Iranian involvement, although the Iranian embassy categorically denied these claims.
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The incident has sparked shock within the UAE’s Jewish community, particularly as the country has become a prominent hub for Israelis and Jews since the signing of the Abraham Accords in 2020. While there has been increased security concern following the recent violence in Gaza, community leaders have stressed that ties between Israel and the UAE will persist, despite the tragedy.
In response to the killing, Israel has issued a new travel advisory urging its citizens to avoid non-essential trips to the UAE and to remain in secure areas if they are already there.
The UAE’s role in hosting a growing Israeli and Jewish presence since the normalization of relations continues, and many are hopeful that this tragic event will not derail the progress made in strengthening diplomatic and economic ties between the two nations.
