According to the Israeli press, Rabbi Zvi Kogan may have been kidnapped by Iranian agents. The office of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu acknowledged his disappearance this Saturday (23)
An Israeli rabbi who lives in the United Arab Emirates has been missing since last Thursday (21), and Israeli authorities suspect that he may have been kidnapped, amid strong tensions in the Middle East due to the war in Israel, Gaza Strip and in Lebanon.
According to the Israeli press, Rabbi Zvi Kogan may have been kidnapped by Iranian agents. The office of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu acknowledged his disappearance this Saturday (23).
Emirati authorities did not immediately respond to clarifications, according to the Associated Press. State media in the UAE also did not immediately report the incident.
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“Since the disappearance [de Kogan]an extensive investigation was opened in the country,” the prime minister’s office said. “Israeli intelligence and security agencies are working continuously out of concern for Zvi Kogan’s well-being and safety.”
Iran
Although the Israeli statement did not mention Iran, Iranian intelligence services have carried out kidnappings in the UAE in the past.
Western officials believe Iran carries out intelligence operations in the UAE. Thousands of Iranians live in the country.
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The UAE diplomatically recognized Israel in 2020. Since then, Israelis have been coming to the UAE for business meetings and tourism. Emirati airlines have been a key link between Israel and the rest of the world, as other airlines stopped flying to Tel Aviv’s Ben Gurion International Airport amid the wars.
(With Estadão Conteúdo and international agencies)
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