In a recent development, three suspects have been arrested in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) for the murder of an Israeli citizen. On Sunday, the Emirati interior ministry announced while emphasising the country’s firm stand towards maintaining societal stability.

Emirati Authorities Investigate Alleged Murder

The interior ministry of the Emirates said that three suspects were detained over the murder of 28-year-old Israeli citizen and rabbi Zvi Kogan. The statement did not mention the identities of the arrested suspects or whether a charge had been filed against them. It underlined that the UAE will use all lawful means to “respond decisively and without leniency to any actions or attempts that threaten societal stability.”

Zvi Kogan, who also held Moldovan citizenship, lived in the UAE. He was working with the Orthodox Jewish Chabad movement. He had gone missing first last Thursday, and his body was found in the Emirati city of Al Ain on Sunday. As of now, it is still not known whether Kogan was killed in Al Ain or that his body was brought there.

Israeli Prime Minister Condemns the Killing

Following the reports, the office of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu condemned the murder, terming it “a heinous antisemitic terrorist act.” Netanyahu’s statement emphasised Israel’s pursuit of justice for the death, calling on international and Israeli authorities to cooperate.

The Israeli foreign ministry says all relevant Israeli agencies are involved in the investigation. Kogan was last spotted in a Kosher supermarket in Dubai, suggesting he may have been there before his death.

Suspicion that Iran is Involved

Ayoob Kara, a former Israeli politician affiliated with the right-wing Likud party, said investigators were investigating the possibility of Iranian involvement in the case. However, the Iranian Embassy in the UAE swiftly denied the allegations categorically, saying it had no connection to the incident.

This development comes amid heightened security concerns, prompting Israel to reiterate a travel advisory for its citizens, urging them to avoid non-essential visits to the UAE. Israeli citizens currently in the UAE have been advised to minimise their movements and avoid areas associated with Israeli and Jewish communities for safety reasons.

Impact on UAE’s Jewish Community

The murder of Kogan has caused shock throughout the Jewish community in the UAE. Since the signing of the Abraham Accords in 2020, which established formal diplomatic relations between the UAE and Israel, Israelis and Jewish residents have increasingly moved to the Gulf nation. Even with the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas, which had been re-ignited in October 2023 following an attack by Hamas, the UAE continued to hold diplomatic relations with the country.

According to Ayoob Kara, the Jewish community in the UAE remains “shocked” by the incident of Kogan’s death; however, he believes that the bond between Israel and the UAE remains strong. He affirmed that the unfortunate incident would not stop Israelis and Jews from visiting or investing in the country.

Security Concerns and Community Response

Following the incident and the rising tensions in the region, informal synagogues in Dubai went into closure on the 7th of October, 2023, after Hamas launched an attack on Israeli terrains. The reason was a safety precaution, and local Jewish residents have been taking their community prayers in their homes. The capital city of the UAE, Abu Dhabi, still hosts the only synagogue, which received government approval and is still open.

No official numbers indicate the number of Jews or Israelis living in the UAE; however, estimates establish a few thousand in the community. Jewish bodies around the region are closely following the situation, hoping the incident will remain isolated and not interfere with the progress made to date in furthering peaceful interaction between Israel and the UAE.

Investigation Continues

As the investigation continues, both Emirati and Israeli authorities are cooperating to uncover details of Kogan’s death. The incident underscores a delicate balance in the region as diplomatic efforts continue under mounting tensions. The UAE has reiterated its commitment to protecting the stability and safety of its diverse community, while Israel will remain vigilant in seeking justice for its citizens abroad.