Overview
- The boy, identified as 4-year-old Yuval Kogan, was reported missing early Thursday afternoon after he vanished near Hofit Beach in Ashkelon.
- Police have mounted a large-scale, multi-agency search that uses land teams, marine police and divers, and a police helicopter to comb the coastline and nearby public areas.
- Investigators are reconstructing Yuval’s possible movements and canvassing witnesses while dozens of civilian volunteers join official search teams on beaches and walking paths.
- Newly released security-camera footage shows Yuval walking with his father and sisters shortly before he disappeared and his mother has urged a wider public response while voicing fears of abduction.
- Authorities have labeled the case life-threatening and asked anyone with information or footage to call the Israel Police emergency hotline at 100 or the Ashkelon Police Station at 08-677-1440.