The testimony of 4-year-old Yuval Kogan, who went missing Friday at an Ashkelon beach, was found credible by a child investigator, and police have ruled out criminal suspicion, according to reports. The child walked alone about 4 km northward, rested in the shade, and was located near Nitzanim Beach.
Friday evening, police announced that the testimony of 4-year-old Yuval Kogan was found credible by a child investigator, and criminal suspicion was ruled out. The development follows a day of extensive search and rescue operations that ended with Yuval's safe location earlier Friday afternoon.
The Zioneer reported throughout Friday as the story unfolded. At 16:50 Jerusalem, the first reports emerged that Yuval was found safe, with initial details from police: the child had walked toward what he thought was home, fell asleep during the night, and was rescued after hearing horses and calling out to them. Shortly after, the ZAKA volunteer who located him described the survival as a 'miracle' and said he found the child in a place where 'no living soul could survive.' The police commander later confirmed the child's resourcefulness in staying in the shade. Earlier in the afternoon, Yuval had given his first testimony, stating he lost his father and walked on foot. By Friday evening, investigators had deemed that testimony credible, and the police officially ruled out any criminal suspicion.
In the broader context, President Isaac Herzog spoke with the ZAKA volunteer, who described emotional moments of the search. Ashkelon Mayor Tomer Glam called the reunion a 'clear miracle,' and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu cited the episode as proof of the nation's mutual responsibility, as The Zioneer reported.
With the child's testimony verified and criminal suspicion eliminated, no further criminal investigation is expected in this case.
8 developments
- DevelopingFather of missing Ashkelon child tells Ben Gvir 'something fishy'; minister says he will meet Shin Bet chief
- StrongAshkelon mayor: 'A clear miracle' to see Yuval Kogan in his mother's arms
- DevelopingAdvanced scanning ship joins search for missing 4-year-old Yuval Kogan in Ashkelon
- DevelopingNetanyahu congratulates on safe return of Yuval Kogan, cites 'mutual responsibility'
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