Disappearance of Rabbi in UAE Triggers Mossad Inquiry

Israel is investigating the disappearance of Rabbi Zvi Kogan in the UAE, with Mossad leading the effort amidst concerns of a potential terrorist incident. Local authorities are also involved in the search.

Israel is currently investigating the disappearance of Zvi Kogan, an Israeli-Moldovan dual national and envoy of the Orthodox Jewish organization Chabad, who has been unaccounted for since Thursday in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). According to the Israeli Prime Minister’s Office, the intelligence agency Mossad is actively engaged in the investigation, expressing concern that Kogan’s case could involve a terrorist incident. Local authorities in the UAE have confirmed that a search operation is in progress to locate Kogan.

The Israeli Prime Minister’s Office released a statement indicating that security and intelligence agencies are dedicated to ensuring Kogan’s safety and wellbeing. Furthermore, the UAE’s interior ministry is also involved in the search and investigation of Kogan’s disappearance. This incident occurs against the backdrop of a noteworthy diplomatic relationship between Israel and the UAE, formalized through the Abraham Accords, which were brokered by the United States.

The situation arises within the context of increasingly complex geopolitical dynamics involving Israel, the UAE, and regional security concerns. The UAE and Israel formalized their relations in 2020 through the Abraham Accords, marking a significant shift in Middle Eastern diplomacy. Despite this relationship, the Israeli government advises its citizens to limit travel to the UAE due to perceived terrorist activities that could pose risks, particularly for Israeli nationals. This advisory underscores the delicate balance between diplomatic engagement and security threats in the region.

In conclusion, the disappearance of Rabbi Zvi Kogan in the UAE has prompted an urgent investigation by Israeli authorities, including Mossad. The ongoing search highlights the potential security threats to Israeli citizens abroad, especially in regions with rising tensions. As both Israeli and Emirati authorities work together to resolve this situation, it underscores the complexities of the bilateral relationship amidst ongoing regional challenges.

Original Source: www.bbc.com