Israel Police said the investigation into the disappearance of 4-year-old Yuval Kogan concluded his testimony was credible and ruled out any criminal involvement. The child walked approximately 4 km alone, stopped for rests, and chose to stay in a shaded area — a decision that apparently saved his life. He was located near Nitzanim beach in good health.
Israel Police said Saturday evening that the investigation into the disappearance of four-year-old Yuval Kogan has concluded that his account of events is credible, ruling out any criminal suspicion. According to police, Kogan walked approximately four kilometers alone after becoming separated from his father on the beach, stopping for rests and ultimately choosing to remain in a shaded area — a decision that apparently saved his life. He was located near Nitzanim beach in good health.
Earlier on Friday, Kogan went missing on an Ashkelon beach, prompting a massive search operation involving the IDF, Israel Police, Shin Bet, and — as reported later Saturday by i24NEWS — the Mossad. The child was found safely Friday afternoon after a ZAKA volunteer on horseback spotted him. Police Commander Haim Bublil said that evening that the child had walked toward what he thought was home, fell asleep during the night, and stayed in the shade in the morning. On Saturday evening, the emergency call recording from the moment of the child's location was released, and the police investigation was formally concluded with the statement ruling out criminal involvement.
As The Zioneer reported, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu welcomed the child's safe return, citing the nation's solidarity. The search was a multi-agency effort that drew national attention. The police investigation now provides a detailed reconstruction of Kogan's movements, confirming his account.
10 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'
- DevelopingFather of missing Ashkelon child tells Ben Gvir 'something fishy'; minister says he will meet Shin Bet chief
- DevelopingFirst recording of emergency call that found Ashkelon child Yuval Kogan released
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