Israeli-Moldovan Rabbi Missing in UAE: Concerns Over Possible Kidnapping

An Israeli-Moldovan rabbi named Zvi Kogan is missing in the UAE, prompting Israeli officials to suspect a kidnapping amid tense relations with Iran. Investigations are underway, but Emirati authorities have not responded, nor has the incident been reported in local media.

An Israeli-Moldovan rabbi residing in the United Arab Emirates, identified as Zvi Kogan, has reportedly gone missing, raising concerns among Israeli officials of a potential kidnapping amid increasing tensions in the region. The Israeli Prime Minister’s Office stated that Kogan has not been seen since noon on Thursday, prompting a thorough investigation in collaboration with local authorities. Emirati officials have yet to comment on the matter, while state media has not covered the incident as of Saturday.

The disappearance of Rabbi Zvi Kogan occurs against a backdrop of heightened geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, particularly relating to Iran. Since the normalization of diplomatic relations between Israel and the UAE in 2020, both nations have maintained their agreement despite ongoing conflict in Gaza and Lebanon. The UAE has previously experienced incidents of kidnapping attributed to Iranian intelligence, which raises the stakes of Kogan’s case.

In conclusion, the disappearance of Rabbi Zvi Kogan while living in the UAE has prompted fears of kidnapping among Israeli authorities. As investigations advance amid delicate international relations and potential links to Iranian activities, the situation remains precarious. The outcome will critically influence diplomatic interactions as both nations navigate their post-normalization relationship under current tensions.

Original Source: apnews.com