Rabbi Zvi Kogan, an Israeli-Moldovan dual national, has been missing since Thursday, his vehicle discovered abandoned in the UAE.
Following the disappearance of Rabbi Zvi Kogan in the United Arab Emirates, Israeli authorities—including the Prime Minister’s Office, Mossad, and the National Security Council—have launched an investigation into the possibility of a terrorist attack.
Rabbi Kogan, a Chabad emissary who ran a kosher supermarket in Dubai and is married to an American citizen, vanished on Thursday, according to the PMO. The Israeli government confirmed that an active investigation is underway due to indications of a potential terrorist incident and that Israeli security and intelligence agencies are working diligently to ensure Kogan’s safety.
“Since his disappearance, and given information indicating that this may be a terrorist incident, an active investigation has been ongoing in the country,” the Israeli authorities stated. “Israeli security and intelligence organizations, concerned for Kogan’s safety and well-being, have been working tirelessly on this case.”
The UAE’s Foreign Ministry stated it is actively monitoring the situation, undertaking extensive search efforts for Rabbi Kogan and providing support to his family.
“The Ministry is in continuous contact with the Embassy of Moldova in Abu Dhabi regarding this matter,” Foreign Minister Sheikh Majed Al Mansoori said in a statement.
According to Ynet, citing unnamed intelligence sources, Kogan’s abandoned car was found in Al Ain, about 90 minutes from Dubai. His phone was reportedly switched off. Ynet’s sources indicate Mossad suspects an Uzbek terrorist cell may have kidnapped and murdered Kogan after following him from his store.
The Israeli National Security Council’s travel advisory currently lists the UAE as presenting a moderate threat to citizens, citing potential terrorist activity and recommending against non-essential travel.
The UAE and Israel established formal diplomatic relations following the 2020 Abraham Accords and have maintained them despite ongoing conflicts in Gaza and Lebanon.