Full Breakdown
Investigation into the Disappearance of Haymanut Kasau
12/17/2025, 6:54:11 AM
Overview of the Case
The case of Haymanut Kasau, a nine-year-old Ethiopian-Israeli girl who disappeared in February 2024, has seen a significant development as the Israel Police transferred the investigation to the Lahav 433 major crimes unit. This decision comes nearly two years after her disappearance from Safed, where she was last seen distributing municipal election leaflets. The police have not provided specific reasons for this transfer but indicated a desire for a fresh perspective on the case.
New Leads in the Investigation
Recent reports suggest a potential breakthrough linked to an attempted kidnapping of a young girl in Beersheba, who is reportedly a friend of Kasau. Security footage captured a man approaching the girl's home, which has raised suspicions among investigators. The man, whose identity remains unclear, is believed to have connections to Safed and the Kasau family. This incident has prompted police to explore whether there is a connection between the attempted abduction and Kasau's disappearance.
Official Statements & Responses
Police Chief Danny Levy's decision to move the case to the major crimes unit was described as an effort to bring "another set of eyes" to the investigation, although sources indicated that there were no specific developments prompting this change. National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir has expressed intentions to involve the Shin Bet internal security agency in the search efforts. Kasau's father, Tesfai Kasau, has been vocal in urging authorities to classify his daughter's case as a kidnapping rather than merely a missing person case, criticizing the government's response as insufficient.
Criticism & Opposition
Family members and community advocates have expressed frustration over the handling of the case. Tesfai Kasau has accused the government of failing to take adequate measures to locate his daughter, emphasizing the need for a more aggressive approach to the investigation. The lack of significant progress in the case has led to heightened concerns within the Ethiopian-Israeli community regarding the prioritization of missing persons cases.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
While police have stated that the transfer to Lahav 433 is not directly related to any new developments, some media outlets have reported that the recent attempted kidnapping may provide critical leads. This discrepancy highlights the ongoing uncertainty surrounding the investigation and the challenges faced by law enforcement in resolving the case.
Verbatim Quotes
- “there are no specific developments.” — Police Source
The investigation into Haymanut Kasau's disappearance continues to evolve, with new leads emerging and community pressure mounting for a resolution. The involvement of the major crimes unit signals a renewed effort to uncover the truth behind her case.
