Israeli police have transferred details of the disappearance of 4-year-old Yuval Kogan to the Shin Bet security agency, which is joining the effort to rule out unusual scenarios, according to Israeli media reports. The boy was last seen Thursday morning near Hofit Beach in Ashkelon and a large-scale search involving air, sea, and ground forces is ongoing.
The disappearance of 4-year-old Yuval Kogan, last seen Thursday morning near Hofit Beach in Ashkelon, has escalated into a major search operation involving police, volunteers, and now the Shin Bet security agency.
According to Israeli media, police transferred the details of the case to the Shin Bet on Thursday evening. While multiple sources confirmed the agency has been contacted and is joining the search, some reports noted that as of late Thursday, the Shin Bet was not yet officially leading the investigation but was involved in efforts to rule out unusual or criminal scenarios. The father told investigators that he was walking with Yuval and his two daughters along the beach when his attention was momentarily distracted; when he turned, the boy was gone. The father stated the children did not enter the water, according to Israeli media reports.
Police, aided by air support, marine patrol, divers, and volunteer rescue units, continue sweeping the area from land, sea, and air. A command post has been established on the Ashkelon promenade. The family has issued an urgent appeal for public assistance, and the Israel Livestock Unit for Search and Rescue (YKL) has distributed a photo of the child.
As The Zioneer reported earlier, the Shin Bet's involvement marks an escalation in the search effort, though authorities stressed that no single line of investigation has been prioritized at this stage. The public is urged to contact police at 100 or the Ashkelon station at 08-6771440 with any information.
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