The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has arrested three suspects in connection with the killing of Israeli-Moldovan Rabbi Zvi Kogan, the UAE Interior Ministry announced Sunday. Kogan had been reported missing by his family on Thursday.

The ministry did not provide further details on the suspects but stated that it would use all legal means to respond decisively to any threats to societal stability.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office condemned Kogan’s death, calling it a “heinous antisemitic terrorist act.” It pledged to pursue all available measures to bring those responsible for his death to justice. Mossad and authorities in the UAE launched an investigation, suspecting the disappearance may be linked to a terrorist incident.

The Israeli mission in Abu Dhabi has been in contact with Kogan’s family, offering support during this difficult time, while Israel’s Foreign Ministry also informed his relatives in Israel.
Kogan’s body was found in Al Ain, a city in the UAE that borders Oman and is about 90 minutes from Dubai. However, it remains unclear whether he was killed there or elsewhere.

Ayoob Kara, a former Israeli Druze politician, speculated that Iran could be involved, stating that the investigation was leaning in that direction. Kara also noted that there were indications Kogan may have been under Iranian surveillance.

Reports suggest that Kogan was abducted by three Uzbek nationals who later fled to Turkey, although officials have not disclosed details about the suspects or the motive. The UAE state news agency reported that the Interior Ministry is investigating Kogan’s disappearance, but the foreign ministry did not comment on the discovery of his body.

Kogan, who also held Moldovan citizenship, entered the UAE using his Moldovan passport, prompting the authorities to reach out to the Moldovan embassy for assistance rather than Israel.

In response to the situation, Israeli authorities have reiterated their recommendation against all nonessential travel to the UAE, advising those currently there to minimize movement, remain in secure areas, and avoid locations associated with Israel and Jewish communities.