Israelis warned terrorists behind murder of UAE rabbi are planning attacks in Thailand
National Security Council warns of threat to Israelis and Jews in southeast Asia, advises against outward display of identity
The National Security Council warned on Saturday that the “terrorist infrastructure” that murdered Rabbi Zvi Kogan in the UAE last week is planning additional attacks on Israelis and Jews in southeast Asia, especially Thailand.
Thailand is a popular tourist destination for Israelis.
The NSC recommended that those currently in southeast Asia avoid going to places identified with Israel and Jews; maintain increased vigilance in public places; refrain from displaying Israeli symbols; contact local authorities in case of a threat or violence; avoid posting details of the trip on social media, and lock social media profiles; and avoid sharing details about service in the IDF or other security services, both online and in conversation.
“Israeli security officials continue to work with all relevant partners in order to remove the threat,” the NSC said.
Last week, the NSC raised the travel warning for Thailand to a Level 2, which recommends travelers “take increased precautionary measures,” but is not seen as a call to avoid or leave the country altogether.
Israelis should “avoid attending large-scale events associated with Israel, with an emphasis on those announced in advance, or places of entertainment and gathering associated with Israel. Notify local security forces if you are exposed to hostile activity targeting Israelis,” the NSC said.
The NSC issued a similar warning on November 12, as Thai police reportedly cautioned of a terror plot at the November 15 Full Moon party on the popular vacation island of Koh Phangan, where there were believed to be thousands if not tens of thousands of Israeli visitors.
The latest warning about Thailand came after the body of Rabbi Zvi Kogan, an emissary to Abu Dhabi’s Chabad chapter, was found after he had been missing for several days.
Israel’s embassy called the killing of Kogan “a despicable antisemitic act of terror.”
On November 24, UAE authorities arrested three people allegedly involved in Kogan’s killing, all Uzbek nationals. Ynet reported Monday that they were likely extradited from Turkey to the UAE, without Israeli involvement.
Israel has been on high alert for Iranian efforts to harm Israelis and Jews around the world through its various agents and proxies after the countries exchanged direct military blows for the first time this year.
Iran launched major drone and ballistic missile attacks against Israel in April and October, in response to Israeli strikes on its proxies in Lebanon and Syria. In late October, Israel retaliated with a series of strikes in which dozens of aircraft targeted strategic military sites across Iran as well as air defense batteries.
Iran has vowed to respond but has not yet done so in any major capacity.
