Shin Bet confirms it’s assisting police probe into 2024 disappearance of child Haymanut Kasau

The Shin Bet confirms it is helping police search for Haymanut Kasau, who disappeared at age 9 from an absorption center in Safed more than two years ago after her family came to Israel from Ethiopia.

“Following appeals from police officials, and after consultation and approval of all relevant parties, the Shin Bet is helping carry out actions to support the investigation of the disappearance of Haymanut Kasau,” the Shin Bet says in a statement, adding that “by the nature of things” it can’t elaborate on the type or scale of the agency’s assistance in the police investigation.

The confirmation comes after President Isaac Herzog met today with Kasau’s family at his residence, and said Shin Bet chief David Zini told him recently that “the Shin Bet has entered the picture following a recent appeal from the Israel Police,” according to a statement from Herzog’s office.

“The Shin Bet is involved in the case and is entering with full force to contribute in every way to finding Haymanut,” Herzog said.

Kasau’s family has long demanded the Shin Bet get involved in the case.

At a protest earlier this month marking 900 days since she disappeared in February 2024, Kasau’s parents said they had difficulty believing the Shin Bet’s inaction was not due to racism.