Chabad Rabbi Zvi Kogan kidnapped in Abu Dhabi by Iranian intelligence, Mossad suspects

Prime Minister’s Office in Israel has confirmed that Mossad spy agency is investigating the disappearance of Chabad Rabbi Zvi Kogan in Abu Dhabi.

According to the PMO, Kogan went missing on Thursday, and authorities are treating the case as a potential act of terrorism. According to Israeli media, security instutitions fear that Kogan might have been kidnapped by Iranian intelligence.

The office added that United Arab Emirates (UAE) authorities have opened an investigation into his disappearance.

Family lost contact with Zvi Kogan

Kogan worked closely with Rabbi Levi Duchman, the UAE’s chief rabbi and leader of the local Jewish community. According to Israeli media, Kogan worked as his assisstant.

Mossad stated, “Zvi Kogan, an Israeli-Moldavian citizen and a Chabad emissary who lives in the UAE, has been missing since Thursday afternoon (November 21, 2024). Since his disappearance, and on the basis of information that this was a terror incident, an intense investigation has been opened in the country.”

“Israeli intelligence and security bodies are working tirelessly out of concern for Zvi Kogan’s welfare and safety,” it added.

Meanwhile, Majed Al Mansoori, director of the UAE Foreign Nationals Affairs Department at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, stated that the Interior Ministry “is implementing extensive measures in its search for the missing person, affirming that the relevant authorities in the UAE have initiated the search operations and investigations immediately following the receipt of the report.”

Israeli intelligence officials travel to UAE

Israeli intelligence officials reportedly have traveled to the UAE to assist with the investigation.

Meanwhile, local Jewish officials in the UAE also declined to comment.

Israeli Prime Minister’s Office confirmed that an extensive investigation is underway, with Israeli intelligence agencies closely involved in efforts to ensure Kogan’s safety and well-being.

Additionally, Channel 13 in Israel reported that Kogan may have been followed, kidnapped, and possibly murdered by hostile elements, with speculation that the perpetrators may have fled to another country, allegedly Türkiye.

Meanwhile, the Israeli National Security Council reiterated its travel advisory, urging citizens to visit the United Arab Emirates only for essential reasons. The advisory also cautioned Israelis to conceal any identifying items while in major cities or areas where protests are taking place.

Israel’s travel service warned of a real threat to Israelis in the UAE, citing ongoing terrorist activity. The UAE formally recognized Israel in 2020, a move that has stood through the Israel-Hamas war and Israel’s ground offensive in Lebanon.

Kogan’s disappearance occurs amid escalating tensions between Israel and Iran. Iran has threatened retaliation against Israel after an October strike on sensitive military sites, and Tehran has launched missile attacks on Israel during the ongoing Israel-Hamas war and Israeli operations in Lebanon.