DUBAI, United Arab Emirates — On Monday, authorities in the United Arab Emirates announced the arrest of three individuals from Uzbekistan in connection with the murder of an Israeli-Moldovan rabbi, Zvi Kogan.
The Interior Ministry of the UAE did not provide any details regarding the motives behind this tragic incident.

Zvi Kogan, aged 28, was an ultra-Orthodox rabbi who vanished on Thursday. He operated a kosher grocery store in Dubai, a city that has attracted many Israelis for trade and tourism following the diplomatic relations established by the Abraham Accords in 2020.

Despite the agreement holding steady for over a year amidst escalating regional tensions instigated by Hamas’ attack on southern Israel on October 7, 2023, the situation has grown increasingly complex. The ongoing Israeli military response in Gaza and incursions into Lebanon have heightened frustrations among Emiratis, Arab nationals, and other residents of the UAE.