The Mossad intelligence agency participated in the search for 4-year-old Yuval Kogan, who went missing on an Ashkelon beach Friday and was found safely later that day, according to a report by i24NEWS crime desk editor Lee Aiyash. The involvement of the Mossad, beyond the Shin Bet which was already known, was revealed in the report.
i24NEWS reported on Saturday evening that the Mossad intelligence agency was also involved in the search for 4-year-old Yuval Kogan, who went missing on an Ashkelon beach on Friday and was found safely later that day. According to i24NEWS crime desk editor Lee Aiyash, the Mossad participated in locating the child, alongside the Shin Bet security agency, which had already been publicly acknowledged. The revelation adds a new dimension to the massive search operation that had drawn national attention.
By 16:50 Jerusalem on Friday, The Zioneer had reported that the child's testimony was found credible by a child investigator and that police had ruled out criminal suspicion. The child had walked alone about 4 km northward, rested in the shade, and was located near Nitzanim Beach. Earlier reports at the same time detailed that a ZAKA volunteer on horseback spotted the child in a place he described as 'no living soul could survive,' and the police commander said the child walked toward what he thought was home, fell asleep during the night, and was found after hearing horses and calling out to them.
The Zioneer also reported that the search drew national attention, with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu welcoming the safe return on Friday at 17:17 Jerusalem, stating the episode proved the nation's solidarity. Ashkelon Mayor Tomer Glam visited the child and his mother, calling the reunion 'a clear miracle,' as reported at 17:49 Jerusalem. Earlier, the child's father had told National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir that there was 'something fishy,' and Ben Gvir said he would meet with the Shin Bet director, as The Zioneer reported at 14:12 Jerusalem.
The extent of the Mossad's role and the specific capabilities it contributed to the search have not been detailed. The child was reunited with his mother and is reported to be in good condition.
9 developments
- DevelopingNoam Simchi, who found missing child Yuval Kogan, says search was 'divine providence' in interview
- DevelopingNetanyahu congratulates on safe return of Yuval Kogan, cites 'mutual responsibility'
- DevelopingFirst recording of emergency call that found Ashkelon child Yuval Kogan released
- StrongAshkelon mayor: 'A clear miracle' to see Yuval Kogan in his mother's arms
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