Hundreds of police, Shin Bet agents, rescue teams and volunteers are searching land, sea and air for four-year-old Yuval Kogan, last seen on Hofit Beach in Ashkelon. The operation — which stretches from Ashkelon’s northern shore to the dunes toward Nitzanim — includes helicopters, marine units, divers and United Hatzalah drones. President Isaac Herzog has contacted the family and is coordinating with senior security officials. Authorities ask anyone with information to call 100 or Ashkelon Police at 08-6771440.
Shin Bet Joins Massive Search for 4-Year-Old Yuval Kogan Missing From Ashkelon Beach
Four-year-old Yuval Kogan in an undated picture. (photo credit: SCREENSHOT/VIA SECTION 27A OF THE COPYRIGHT ACT)
Hundreds of police officers, Shin Bet agents, volunteers and rescue teams are searching by land, sea and air for four-year-old Yuval Kogan, who was last seen on Hofit Beach in Ashkelon on Thursday morning.
Search Operation
According to authorities, Kogan was last seen near the shoreline wearing a green shirt. He is described as slim with brown hair. He had been visiting the area with his father; at some point the two became separated and, when his father returned to collect him, he discovered the boy was missing and alerted police.
Shin Bet (the Israel Security Agency) agents joined Israel Police in a coordinated effort that mobilized helicopters, the Marine Police Unit, divers, municipal rescue teams and additional emergency responders. Search teams are concentrating along the shoreline and across the surrounding dunes, using technological assets and specialized rescue units to cover difficult terrain.
Area And Resources
Search operations extend from Ashkelon’s northern coast to the settlement of Nitzanim — a largely sandy area with high and low dunes and many potential hiding places. United Hatzalah’s Drone Unit established a dedicated command center and deployed a fleet of drones to assist aerial and ground teams, while volunteers and municipal inspectors comb the dunes on foot.
Israel Police officers conduct search for a missing child near Hofit Beach, Ashkelon, July 23, 2026. (credit: ISRAEL POLICE)
Assistant-Chief Chaim Bublil, head of the Southern District Police, led an on-scene assessment with senior police and rescue officials and ordered the search expanded into the night, instructing commanders to employ all available Israel Police resources until the child is located.
Family And Official Response
“Almost 24 hours have passed since my son was lost. I beg anyone who can come help, any possible rescuers, I'm asking everyone to come,” Kogan’s mother, Dina, told Walla. “I'm worried. I'm afraid it could be a kidnapping.”
President Isaac Herzog called the family to express concern and support and is reported to be coordinating with Israel Police Commissioner Daniel Levy and Shin Bet Director David Zini as the search continues.
How To Help
Police urged the public to remain vigilant and to contact authorities with any information that could help locate Yuval. Anyone with relevant details is asked to call the Israel Police emergency hotline at 100 or the Ashkelon Police Station at 08-6771440.
After a missing-child report, Israel Police typically mount large, multi-agency search operations combining aerial support, marine teams, rescue organizations and local authorities to maximize the chance of a quick recovery.
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