Rabbi killed in UAE, Israel claims antisemitic terrorist act and suspects Iran

Rabbi Zvi Kogan, who also holds Moldovan citizenship, disappeared in the United Arab Emirates on November 21. He was reportedly kidnapped in Dubai. His body was found on Sunday, November 24.

The office of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu called Kogan's murder a “heinous, anti-Semitic act of terror.”

“The State of Israel will use all means at its disposal to bring the murderers of Kogan and those who sent them to justice,” said Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

The UAE Ministry of Interior confirmed that it had received a report from Zvi Kogan's family about his disappearance, but did not mention his Israeli citizenship, calling him only a citizen of Moldova.

Former head of Mossad counterintelligence Oded Aylam said that Iran was suspected of involvement in the rabbi's murder.

The Telegraph writes that UAE law enforcement agencies suspect three Uzbek citizens of involvement in the case. Ynet, citing intelligence officials, notes that Kogan's killers allegedly fled to Türkiye.

What is known about Zvi Kogan

Rabbi Zvi Kogan, in addition to Israeli citizenship, also held Moldovan citizenship. He represented the Chabad religious movement of Hasidic Jews.

The rabbi worked to spread Judaism in the UAE, founded the region's first Jewish educational center, and helped make kosher food widely available.

It is noted that relations between the UAE and Israel have warmed in recent years. In 2020, the UAE diplomatically recognized Israel.

The conflict in the Middle East

The conflict between Israel and Iran has escalated. In recent months, the leaders of the Hamas and Hezbollah groups supported by Tehran have been eliminated.

In early October, Iran launched a massive missile attack on Israel. Tehran fired more than 180 ballistic missiles. Iran said it was a response to the deaths of Hamas and Hezbollah leaders.

On October 26, Israel retaliated against Iran. Israel reports that, in particular, it hit ballistic missile production facilities and air defense batteries.

Recently, the International Criminal Court (ICC) issued arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant over the fighting in the Gaza Strip.