Missing 4‑Year‑Old Yuval Kogan Searched for in Ashkelon Beach Operation
A 4‑year‑old boy, identified as Yuval Kogan (also reported as Yuval Cogan), vanished near Hofit Beach in the northern part of Ashkelon, Israel, on Thursday afternoon. His father realized he was missing after a brief separation and alerted police, while his mother later expressed fear of a possible kidnapping.
Israel Police, the Israeli Air Force, the Navy, marine police, divers, special rescue units and hundreds of volunteers have conducted a coordinated land, sea and air search. Helicopters, drones, maritime patrols and ground teams have swept the coastline and adjacent dunes, while police commanders Danny Levi and Eldad Elishiv, as well as Interior Minister Itamar Ben Gvir and National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir, have visited the site and overseen the operation. No trace of the child has been found, and authorities continue to urge anyone with information to contact the 100 police hotline.
The extensive effort has been described as one of the largest search operations in Israel’s recent history, reflecting the urgency and public concern surrounding the disappearance of the young child.