(Cupventi.com) – Authorities in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) have arrested three individuals in connection with the shocking murder of Rabbi Zvi Kogan, an Israeli Moldovan national, whose body was discovered earlier this week in the Gulf state. The rapid developments in the case have drawn international attention, particularly from Israel, where the murder is being treated as an act of “criminal antisemitic terrorism.”
The UAE Ministry of Interior announced on Sunday that the suspects responsible for the killing had been apprehended “in record time” after a thorough investigation. Kogan, who had been living in the UAE as a resident, was reported missing last Thursday, sparking immediate concerns that he had been abducted. His body was later discovered, and authorities acted swiftly to locate and arrest those involved.
In a statement issued via X (formerly Twitter), the UAE Ministry of Interior detailed the investigation, stating that specialized teams had located Kogan’s body shortly after a missing persons report was filed by his family. The ministry confirmed that the three perpetrators were apprehended and legal proceedings had been initiated. “Full details of the incident will be disclosed upon the conclusion of the investigations,” the statement read.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu condemned the murder, calling it a “criminal antisemitic terrorist event.” Netanyahu pledged that Israel would ensure that those responsible would face the full force of the law. “We will deal with the criminals responsible for his death to the fullest extent of the law,” he said in a statement early Sunday morning.
Kogan, who served as the representative of the Chabad Lubavitch movement in Abu Dhabi, had been well-known in the region for his work within the Jewish community. Chabad Lubavitch, an influential Orthodox Jewish organization based in New York, confirmed the tragedy in a statement on X, describing the death of their emissary as the result of an abduction and murder by terrorists. “With great pain we share that Rabbi Zvi Kogan, Chabad-Lubavitch emissary to Abu Dhabi, UAE, was murdered by terrorists after being abducted on Thursday,” the organization wrote.
As investigations continue, the Israeli National Security Bureau issued a warning to its citizens, advising against nonessential travel to the UAE. The advisory also cautioned Israelis already in the UAE to avoid displaying Israeli symbols and to steer clear of areas frequented by the Israeli and Jewish populations, citing a potential threat to their safety.
Israeli President Isaac Herzog also weighed in, condemning the murder as a “vile antisemitic attack.” He made it clear that such an act would not deter Israelis from continuing to build and thrive in the UAE or elsewhere. “We will continue to grow flourishing communities in the UAE or anywhere,” Herzog stated, underscoring Israel’s commitment to its presence in the region.
In response to the incident, Anwar Gargash, diplomatic adviser to the UAE president, took to X to emphasize the UAE’s commitment to being a “safe house” and a “stable oasis” for all communities, though he did not directly address the specifics of Kogan’s death.
The case has raised concerns about rising tensions in the region, especially given the current political climate. Israel is engaged in military campaigns in Gaza and Lebanon, and the situation in the Gulf remains volatile. The UAE’s decision to normalize relations with Israel through the Abraham Accords in 2020 has faced challenges amid escalating hostilities between Israel and various groups in the region, including the ongoing Israel-Hamas war.
Though there is no evidence linking the murder to Iranian influence at this stage, some observers have pointed to the broader geopolitical tensions in the area. In 2020, Iranian intelligence services were accused of kidnapping Jamshid Sharmahd, an Iranian-German dual citizen, in the UAE. Sharmahd was later transferred to Iran, where he was sentenced to death.
Netanyahu’s office confirmed that Israel’s intelligence agency, Mossad, is also involved in investigating the incident, after receiving information that the murder may have been part of a broader terrorist plot. The Israeli mission in Abu Dhabi is reportedly in close contact with Kogan’s family to provide support during this difficult time.
In a government meeting on Sunday, Netanyahu praised the UAE authorities for their cooperation in the investigation. “We appreciate the swift action taken by the UAE in addressing this tragic event,” Netanyahu said. While the UAE has not issued a detailed public statement on the motivations behind the killing, authorities have assured that all necessary steps are being taken to bring the perpetrators to justice.
The investigation continues, and further details are expected to be revealed once the UAE authorities have concluded their inquiries.