Israel has recently issued a warning to its citizens about an increased terrorism threat in Southeast Asia.
On Saturday, the National Security Council of Israel disclosed that it had intelligence indicating that those behind the November 21 murder of Rabbi Zvi Kogan in Dubai are plotting more terrorist acts in Southeast Asia, focusing particularly on Thailand.
Following the murder, authorities in the United Arab Emirates detained three individuals suspected of involvement. Rabbi Kogan, who held dual Israeli-Moldovan citizenship, was found dead on November 24, several days after he was reported missing.
The UAE Ministry of Interior confirmed on Monday that the investigation into Rabbi Kogan’s murder is ongoing, as reported by the state news agency WAM.
“The UAE and its institutions are fully committed to safeguarding the safety and security of its citizens, residents, and visitors,” the ministry said, without providing details on the identity of the suspects.
Earlier, UAE security forces had discovered Rabbi Kogan’s body, an incident described by the Israeli Prime Minister’s Office as a heinous act of antisemitic terrorism.
“The State of Israel will use all means to deal with these murderers and those who dispatched them to the fullest extent of the law,” Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated during a cabinet meeting on November 24. “None of them will get away.”
UAE Travel Warning
In light of these events, Israel is strengthening its advisory against non-essential travel to the UAE, specifically cautioning against visiting locations frequented by Israelis or Jews, sharing travel plans on social media, or excessive public movement.
The White House characterized the murder as an assault on both the UAE and its rejection of violent extremism across the board.
“We commend the rapid efforts of UAE authorities who now have suspects in custody,” said US National Security Council spokesperson Sean Savett.
“Those who carried out this crime and their supporters must be held fully accountable. Concerns persist about ongoing threats against Israelis and Jews in the area,” stated the US National Security Council.
Since the beginning of the conflict between Israel and Hamas in October 2023, Israel has been warning its citizens about potential attacks abroad, particularly by Iranian or Iran-supported groups, elevating threat levels in many countries, including the UAE.
Netanyahu acknowledged the UAE’s cooperation in investigating the circumstances surrounding Kogan’s disappearance and death.
“We will strengthen the ties between us in the face of attempts by the axis of evil to harm the relationship of peace between us,” Netanyahu said. “We will work to expand regional stability.”
Rabbi Kogan, 28, served as a representative of the Chabad-Lubavitch Jewish organization in the UAE, where he and his colleagues worked to foster and expand Jewish community life, including ensuring kosher food availability.
He was joined by his wife, Rivky, following their marriage in 2022.
“This vile antisemitic attack is a reminder of the inhumanity of the enemies of the Jewish people,” Israeli President Isaac Herzog said in a post on X. “It will not deter us from continuing to grow flourishing communities in the UAE or anywhere.”
