Uzbeks were suspected in Israeli Rabbi murder

Rabbi Zvi Kogan, a prominent figure in the Chabad-Lubavitch movement and an advocate for Jewish causes globally, was found dead in the United Arab Emirates on November 24. Israeli officials suspect a group of Uzbeks, allegedly hired by Iran, were responsible for his murder. After the attack, the suspects reportedly fled to Turkey. This development was reported by The Times of Israel.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu condemned the murder as a "heinous act of anti-Semitic terrorism" and vowed to bring the perpetrators to justice. A joint statement from Netanyahu's office and the Foreign Ministry underscored Israel's commitment to pursuing the killers using all available means.

Israeli President Yitzhak Herzog also responded strongly, describing the attack as a reminder of the persistent threats faced by the Jewish people.

Writing on his social media platform X, Herzog thanked UAE officials for their swift response and expressed confidence that all measures would be taken to hold the murderers accountable.

The Chabad-Lubavitch movement identified Rabbi Kogan as a representative of its anonymous branch in Crown Heights, Brooklyn, New York. He was last seen in Dubai before his disappearance. While the UAE's state news agency WAM confirmed Kogan's death, it identified him as a Moldovan citizen and did not mention his Israeli citizenship.

An investigation is ongoing into the circumstances of the murder. Israel has pledged to work with international partners to ensure justice for Rabbi Kogan.