Kogan, a member of the Chabad Lubavitch movement, had been missing since Thursday. He operated a kosher grocery store in Dubai, a hub for Israeli trade and tourism since the 2020 Abraham Accords.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu condemned Kogan's death as a "heinous antisemitic terrorist act" and vowed to hold the perpetrators accountable. President Isaac Herzog thanked Emirati authorities for their swift investigation.
The Emirati government, while emphasizing societal tolerance, has not linked the killing to terrorism. Iranian involvement has been suggested by Israeli sources, though Tehran denied any connection.
Following the incident, Israel reiterated its warning against nonessential travel to the United Arab Emirates, citing potential threats.
Tensions have risen since the Israel-Hamas conflict began in October 2023, prompting heightened security measures for Jewish sites in the UAE. Local Jewish officials have refrained from public comment, and informal synagogues remain closed.
The Abraham Accords, which normalized relations between Israel and the UAE, persist amid the strained regional climate. However, the murder has cast a shadow over the UAE's small but visible Jewish community.
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