Rabbi Zvi Kogan is feared to have been kidnapped or murdered, according to several Israeli media outlets, citing Israeli security services.
According to reports in several Israeli media outlets, suspicions are directed towards Iran – which has carried out kidnappings in the United Arab Emirates previously.
Zvi Kogan disappeared on Thursday from Abu Dhabi, where he had lived and worked since the United Arab Emirates and Israel normalized relations at the end of 2020.
However, according to the Israeli news site Ynet, his car was found in another city, 15 miles away.
The Israeli Prime Minister's office announced on Saturday evening that there is information pointing to terrorism being behind the disappearance. An investigation is underway.
"Israeli security and intelligence organizations, which are concerned for Zvi Kogan's safety and well-being, have worked tirelessly on this case," the office stated in a statement.
Israel has previously advised against non-essential travel to the United Arab Emirates – an advisory that the Prime Minister's office reminds of in its statement.
