Search Continues for Missing 4-Year-Old Yuval Kogen in Ashkelon Beach Area

The search for 4-year-old Yuval Kogen, who disappeared near Hof Hofit beach in Ashkelon, is ongoing with no leads on his whereabouts. The boy was last seen yesterday, and since then, hundreds of police officers, volunteers, and rescue teams have been conducting extensive searches both on land and at sea. Authorities emphasize there is no suspicion of foul play at this stage.

Yuval's disappearance was reported by his father, who was with him at the beach before the boy went missing. The search operation includes ground patrols, helicopters, drones (including thermal imaging drones), off-road vehicles, divers, and rescue units. A special command post has been set up to coordinate the efforts, which continue from midday into the night.

Ashkelon police station commander, Deputy Superintendent Eldad Elishiv, described the search area as a wide open space between Ashkelon and Nitzanim near the sea, requiring careful and orderly search procedures to avoid accidentally harming the child if he is hiding among the bushes. The southern district police chief, Commissioner Haim Bublil, held a situation assessment and instructed the deployment of all available resources until Yuval is found.

Volunteers have responded to police calls for assistance, despite the challenging terrain that includes bushes and pits. Rescue organizations like United Hatzalah operate advanced drones equipped with lighting and loudspeakers to aid the search. Authorities urge anyone with information about Yuval's location to contact the police immediately.

Yuval is described as slim with brown hair and was last seen wearing a green shirt. The search continues with hope for a miracle to bring the boy safely home.