Police helicopters are sweeping Ashkelon as the search for missing 4-year-old Yuval Kogan enters its second day. The police commissioner stated that intensive efforts have been ongoing throughout the day and night, and that a child does not disappear in Israel without reason.
The search for 4-year-old Yuval Kogan, missing since Thursday evening, entered its second day Friday with intensified efforts. Police Commissioner Danny Levi stated that the investigation has been ongoing throughout the night and emphasized that 'a child does not just disappear in Israel.' The commissioner ordered the mobilization of all police college cadets and Border Police personnel to assist in the search, as reported by i24NEWS. Police helicopters are sweeping the Ashkelon area.
The investigation has evolved rapidly. Earlier Friday, the child's father told i24NEWS that Yuval had been walking just beyond his shoulder and then disappeared, urging police to consider a criminal angle. Security camera footage released hours later showed the child with his father and two sisters shortly before his disappearance. National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir met with the father and promised to 'turn over every stone.' President Isaac Herzog spoke with the mother, Dina Kogan, and called for public assistance, as The Zioneer reported. Additional drone footage from United Hatzalah was released by Channel 12, and Ynet published further footage later in the morning.
The case has drawn national attention, with senior officials involved. The police have not reported any new findings, and no evidence has emerged linking the disappearance to a criminal or terrorist act. The circumstances remain under investigation.
The child's whereabouts are still unknown, and the search continues across the Ashkelon area. No suspects have been named, and the family has appealed for any information.
16 developments
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- DevelopingPresident Herzog speaks with mother of missing child, calls for help in search
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