10-Year-Old Boy Found Safe in Bnei Brak After Suspected Kidnapping

A 10-year-old boy named Yahli, who went missing from Petah Tikva on Sunday evening, was located in the city of Bnei Brak early Monday morning. Police arrested a 20-year-old man from Jerusalem on suspicion of kidnapping the child. The incident began when Yahli's mother reported him missing around 10 p.m. Sunday, noting it was unusual for him not to return home.

According to Yahli's mother, her son told her that a 19-year-old man approached a group of children playing, frightened them, and took one child's phone. The suspect then used that phone to contact Yahli, convincing him to stay. Yahli's mother stated that her son felt compelled to help the suspect, who claimed to have no money, and they proceeded to solicit money from others, even receiving funds from a police officer.

The suspect reportedly bought Yahli pizza and played with him until late at night. Yahli's mother expressed relief at his safe return but is awaiting the results of a youth investigation to determine if any further harm occurred. The police are continuing to investigate the circumstances and motives behind the incident.