Israeli rabbi found murdered in UAE

A video was posted on social media of Rabbi Zvi Kogan, an Israeli who went missing in the United Arab Emirates and was later found murdered. He was filmed in front of a Kosher supermarket that he managed in Dubai. The video, shot on November 18, days before his disappearance, was filmed by social media influencer Dudi Kepler.

Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office announced that his body was found, and denounced his death as a "heinous antisemitic terrorist act".

The UAE foreign ministry did not immediately comment on news that the body of Kogan, who also held Moldovan citizenship, had been discovered. Chabad's office in the UAE declined to comment.

At the start of a cabinet meeting in Jerusalem, Netanyahu added that he appreciates cooperation with UAW authorities in the investigation of the murder.

"More so in the face of the axis of evil's attempts to harm our relations of peace, we will strengthen them and will further act to expand stability in the region," Netanyahu said.

Chabad seeks to build links with non-affiliated and secular Jews or other sects of Judaism. The group's branch in the UAE supports thousands of Jewish visitors and residents, according to its website.

Israeli authorities reissued their recommendation against all non-essential travel to the UAE and said visitors currently there should minimize movement, remain in secure areas and avoid visiting businesses, gathering places and entertainment venues associated with Israel and Jewish populations.

The UAE foreign ministry did not immediately comment on news that the body of Kogan, who also held Moldovan citizenship, had been discovered. Chabad's office in the UAE declined to comment.

Rabbi Zvi Kogan also worked in the UAE for an Orthodox Jewish group called Chabad, an organization that seeks to build links with non-affiliated and secular Jews or other sects of Judaism. The group's branch in the UAE supports thousands of Jewish visitors and residents, according to its website.