The 4-year-old Israeli boy who disappeared near Ashkelon was found safe and in good health nearly 24 hours later after surviving alone overnight, with police saying the child’s quick thinking and calm decisions likely saved his life.

Yuval Kogan vanished Thursday afternoon in the Hof Ashkelon region, triggering an extensive search involving police, volunteers, and rescue teams. He was located Friday after an around-the-clock search that ended in an emotional reunion with his family.

Southern District Police Commander Chaim Bublil said investigators’ initial conversation with Yuval revealed that the young boy had been walking in the direction where he believed his home was located.

According to Bublil, Yuval eventually stopped traveling after nightfall.

“During the night he fell asleep, and in the morning he woke up,” Bublil said. “He is a smart child who stayed in a shaded area, and that apparently is what saved him. When he heard the horses approaching, he came toward them, called out to them, and that is how he was found.”

Police later released footage capturing the emotional moments after Yuval’s rescue, including a video call with his mother while officers stood beside him.

“Yuvali, we have a popsicle for you here. Mommy is waiting for you,” she told him.

Yuval’s father, Dmitry Kogan, who had been with his son before he disappeared, said the boy later described hearing what he believed were illumination flares during the night.

“Yuval told me he apparently heard illumination flares during the night. He said he got tired and slept under a tree, and that’s it. He’s okay. I knew he was strong—I just didn’t know how strong.”

His mother, Dina, tearfully thanked everyone who participated in the massive search effort.

“You gave me my life back. Thank you so much, from the bottom of my heart. I truly appreciate every one of you.”

Video from the rescue showed Noam Simhi, the man who discovered Yuval standing beneath a tree near the beach after accidentally taking the wrong route while riding horseback toward Nitzanim Beach.

“I took the wrong route on my horse while heading to Nitzanim Beach. Suddenly I saw a child standing under a tree, looking at us. There are miracles in this world. This is the child who brought the entire country to its feet. Our strength is in our unity.”