UAE arrest three over Rabbi Zvi Kogan's murder, Israel describes incident as 'antisemitic'
UAE authorities have arrested three people for their involvement in the murder of Israeli-Moldovan Rabbi Zvi Kogan in the Gulf nation.
The Emirati Interior Ministry did not share details about those arrested in connection to the crime.
The body of the Rabbi was found just days after he went missing.
The ministry would use 'all legal powers to respond decisively and without leniency to any actions or attempts that threaten societal stability', reported The Times of Israel.
28-year-old Kogan worked in the UAE for the Orthodox Jewish group Chabad.
According to reports, Kogan will be laid to rest in Israel.
UAE ambassador to the US Yousef Al Otaiba has mourned the death of Zvi Kogan.
The envoy wrote on X, "Today the UAE mourns for Rabbi Zvi Kogan. Our thoughts are with his family, friends and community over his senseless death."
"Zvi Kogan’s murder was more than a crime in the UAE - it was a crime against the UAE. It was an attack on our homeland, on our values and on our vision," he said.
He said the UAE welcomes peaceful coexistence.
"We embrace peaceful coexistence. We reject extremism and fanaticism of every kind. We honour Zvi Kogan’s memory by recommitting ourselves to these values," he said.
The envoy said: "Now, we are more determined than ever to protect and sustain the Emirates as a shining and enduring example of diversity, acceptance and peace."
Israel calls it antisemitic terror
Israel has described the murder of Zvi Kogan as a “heinous antisemitic terror incident”.
“The state of Israel will use all means at its disposal to bring the criminals responsible for his death to justice,” Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu's office said in a statement.
Israel President Isaac Herzog mourned the death of the Rabbi and wrote on X: "I mourn with sorrow and outrage the murder of Rabbi Zvi Kogan."
I mourn with sorrow and outrage the murder of Rabbi Zvi Kogan.
— יצחק הרצוג Isaac Herzog (@Isaac_Herzog) November 24, 2024
This vile antisemitic attack is a reminder of the inhumanity of the enemies of the Jewish people. It will not deter us from continuing to grow flourishing communities in the UAE or anywhere - especially with the help…
He thanked the UAE authorities for their swift action and hoped the country would bring the perpetrators to justice.
US reacts
White House National Security Council spokesperson Sean Savett said the USA is working in close coordination with Israel and the UAE over the incident.
"The United States is working in close coordination with Israeli and UAE authorities, and we have offered all appropriate forms of support," Sean Savett said in a statement.
"We commend the rapid efforts of UAE authorities who now have suspects in custody," he said.
