Israeli Police Dismiss Rumors in 4-Year-Old Yuval Kogan's Disappearance Case

Four-year-old Yuval Kogan was found safe on Friday after being missing for over 27 hours. Following his discovery near Nitzanim Beach, about 3.8 kilometers from where he was last seen in Ashkelon, Yuval was interviewed by a child investigator. He openly recounted his experience during the disappearance, explaining he wandered away from his father and sisters, hid when it got dark, and slept under a tree. Authorities confirmed there was no indication of criminal activity or involvement of others in his disappearance.

The police firmly rejected circulating rumors linking Yuval's disappearance to his father Dmitry Kogan's work as a lawyer, specifically claims that criminal families were involved. A police official emphasized that if anything suspicious had occurred, it would have been detected during the child's detailed and coherent interview. Yuval showed no signs of confusion or hesitation, and the child investigator observed no attempts to influence his testimony.

Yuval's father described the moment they were notified of his son's location during a search near an abandoned house. Initially skeptical, Dmitry was relieved to reunite with Yuval, who told him, "Dad, why didn’t you pick me up?" Dmitry acknowledged he should have retrieved him sooner. Yuval mentioned hearing what he thought were flare explosions at night and resting under a tree. His mother, Dina, expressed deep gratitude, saying, "You gave me my life back. Thank you very much to everyone."

The boy was found by Noam Simchi, who spotted him standing under a tree near the beach. Simchi called the discovery miraculous, highlighting the nationwide effort to find Yuval and the strength found in unity. Police Southern District Commander Chief Superintendent Haim Bublil noted Yuval’s intelligence and survival instincts likely saved him, as he stayed in a shaded spot and approached the horses that helped locate him.

Yuval’s safe return ended a tense nationwide search and dispelled unfounded rumors, with authorities continuing to monitor the case closely to ensure his well-being.