The Ministry of Interior of the United Arab Emirates said that three people have been arrested for the murder of Rabbi GV Kogan, an Israeli citizen. His body was recovered from Al Ain town on the border with Oman on Sunday (November 24). He was linked to the New York-based Orthodox Jewish Chabad movement and went missing on Thursday. British news agency Reuters reported this news.
The ministry's statement did not provide details about the suspects or whether any charges had been filed against them. However, it said, 'any action or attempt will be dealt with harshly and mercilessly, which threatens social stability.'
Rabbi GV Kogan, 28, was from the United Arab Emirates, local authorities said. However, he was a citizen of Israel and Moldova. He worked with other ambassadors to establish and expand Jewish community life in the emirate. He also managed a supermarket in Dubai.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office condemned Kogan's killing as a 'heinous act of anti-Semitic terrorism' and vowed to make every effort to bring those responsible to justice.
Kogan is believed to have been last seen at a kosher supermarket in Dubai. His abandoned car was later found an hour away from his home.
His body was found in Al Ain town on the border with Oman. However, it is not yet clear whether he died there or somewhere else, said former Israeli politician Ayub Kara.
Ayub said there is a suspicion of Iran's involvement in this incident. However, the Iranian embassy in the UAE has 'categorically denied' the allegations of Iran's involvement in the matter.
Israel reiterated its advice to its citizens to avoid non-essential travel to the UAE and for those currently there to reduce their movements, stay in safe areas and avoid places associated with Israel and the Jewish community.
The White House strongly condemned the killing of GV Kogan. White House National Security Council spokesman Sean Savett said they are working in close coordination with Israel and the United Arab Emirates.
