Zvi Kogan, an Israeli-Moldovan dual national and Chabad envoy, has been missing in the UAE since Thursday. Israel’s Mossad is investigating the case as a possible terrorist incident while local authorities conduct search operations. The situation highlights ongoing security concerns for Israeli nationals in the UAE following the normalization of relations under the Abraham Accords. Immediate efforts are underway to ensure Kogan’s safety and well-being.
The disappearance of Zvi Kogan, an Israeli-Moldovan dual national affiliated with the Orthodox Jewish organization Chabad, has raised significant concern in Israel and prompted extensive investigations in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Kogan has been missing since Thursday, according to announcements from the Israeli prime minister’s office. The Mossad agency is conducting an active investigation, expressing concern that Kogan’s disappearance might be linked to a terrorist incident. Local authorities in the UAE have confirmed that a search operation is ongoing, indicating collaborative efforts to locate the missing individual.
The Israeli government, particularly under Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, has emphasized the urgency of ensuring Kogan’s safety. A statement from the Prime Minister’s office noted, “Israeli security and intelligence organisations, concerned for Kogan’s safety and wellbeing, have been working tirelessly on this case.” Simultaneously, the UAE’s state news agency reported that the interior ministry is actively involved in the investigation, reflecting a joint commitment to resolving the matter.
The UAE and Israel normalized relations through the Abraham Accords, a landmark agreement brokered by the United States. Despite the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict and concerns regarding regional security, the relationship between the two nations has endured. The Israeli government’s travel advisory has cautioned its citizens to restrict travel to the UAE to essential purposes only, citing potential risks associated with terrorist activity in the region. Furthermore, Chabad UAE has yet to provide a response to media inquiries regarding Kogan’s situation, highlighting the sensitivity and complexity of the circumstances surrounding his disappearance.
The situation involving Zvi Kogan’s disappearance is situated within the broader context of Israel-UAE relations. The two countries established formal diplomatic ties in 2020 through the Abraham Accords, significantly altering the diplomatic landscape in the Middle East. These ties have persisted even during periods of heightened tension, such as the recent conflicts involving Hamas. However, the ongoing threat of terrorism remains a significant concern for Israeli nationals traveling abroad, with both the Israeli government and local authorities in the UAE actively involved in ongoing investigations to address such risks. The urgency of finding Kogan highlights both the complexities of regional security and the importance of international cooperation in addressing such incidents.
In summary, the investigation into the disappearance of Rabbi Zvi Kogan has garnered attention from both Israeli and UAE authorities. Concerns surrounding potential terrorist involvement have prompted an active inquiry led by Israel’s Mossad agency, underscoring the ongoing risks faced by Israeli citizens abroad, particularly in regions of geopolitical tension. As investigations proceed, the commitment of both countries to find Kogan remains clear, reflecting the importance of maintaining diplomatic relations amid regional challenges.
Original Source: www.bbc.com
