Israeli police officers, rescue teams and volunteers take part in extensive search efforts for a four-year-old boy who went missing near Hofit Beach in Ashkelon, southern Israel, on July 24, 2026. (Tsafrir Abayov/Flash90)
Police and the Shin Bet launch a massive manhunt to search for 4-year-old Yuval Kogan, who went missing yesterday on a beach in Ashkelon.
His mother appeals to the public to join in the search.
In a video posted online, Kogan’s mother says: “We’ve been checking this area for almost 24 hours; it’s possible he’s not in this area. It could be that he was kidnapped, I don’t know with what motive – it could be nationalist, or maybe some psychopath took him.”
“There are police, and there are Shin Bet involved, but it’s not enough – I want everyone on their feet, I beg of you,” she says.
Kogan was last seen around 12:30 p.m. yesterday in the area of Hofit Beach, where he was picnicking with his two siblings and father. He is described as having a slim build and brown hair, and was wearing a green shirt at the time of his disappearance.
Yuval Kogan (Courtesy)
According to the boy’s mother, her husband was attending to their daughters for a few minutes, and then discovered Yuval was gone.
His mother says he’s unlikely to have gone into the water, noting he is afraid of the sea.
Police ask the public to be alert and to provide any useful information they may have to the 100 hotline.
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From the Liveblog of
Friday, July 24, 2026
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