The office of the Israeli Prime Minister confirmed on Saturday, December 3, reports regarding the disappearance of Rabbi Zvi Kogan, an Israeli citizen and member of the Chabad Jewish community in Abu Dhabi, in the United Arab Emirates, adding that the Israeli intelligence agency (Mossad) is examining the matter. According to Benjamin Netanyahu's office, Rabbi Kogan has been missing since Thursday, December 1, and this incident is being considered as 'terrorism.' The Prime Minister's office has urged all citizens of the country to travel to the United Arab Emirates only for essential reasons. Israeli media reported on Saturday that Mossad and Emirati intelligence agencies are investigating the disappearance of a member of the Jewish community in Abu Dhabi. According to these reports, there has been no news of Rabbi Zvi Kogan since Wednesday, November 30, and the Israeli media outlet 'Ynet' quoted Israeli security officials as saying that there is an increasing fear that he may have been murdered. The Israeli media outlet 'Walla' also reported, citing two sources, that he may have been kidnapped or killed by terrorists. These two sources, whose identities have not been disclosed, added that Israel has information indicating that Iranian intelligence agencies have been tracking Rabbi Kogan. The family of this Israeli citizen also told Israel's 'Channel 12' that he has not contacted them since Wednesday. Although there is still no definitive information about the fate of this Israeli rabbi and the possible connection of the Iranian government to this incident, the Islamic Republic has a history of attempting to attack Israeli citizens and Jews around the world. In the most recent case, the Canadian newspaper 'Globe and Mail' reported on November 28 that the Canadian government thwarted an Iranian plot to assassinate Irwin Cotler, a prominent Jewish lawyer and former Minister of Justice who has also served as Attorney General of the country. The Iranian government has denied these accusations.
Mossad Investigating Possible Murder of Rabbi Kogan in the United Arab Emirates
Rabbi Zvi Kogan, a member of the Chabad community in Abu Dhabi, has been missing since December 1, and Israeli authorities suspect foul play, potentially linked to Iranian intelligence. The Israeli government has advised citizens against traveling to the UAE due to security concerns. This incident highlights ongoing threats to Israeli citizens abroad, particularly from Iranian operatives.
👥 Key Players
📰 What Happened
Rabbi Zvi Kogan, an Israeli rabbi in Abu Dhabi, has been missing since December 1, with Israeli authorities suspecting foul play potentially linked to Iranian intelligence. Mossad is investigating the matter, considering it a possible act of terrorism.
- Rabbi Kogan has not been in contact with his family since November 30.
- Israeli media reports suggest he may have been kidnapped or murdered.
💡 Why It Matters
📚 Background
Iran has a history of targeting Israeli citizens and Jewish individuals globally, often through covert operations. The UAE's recent normalization of relations with Israel has made such incidents more concerning.
🏷️ Entities Mentioned
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