The announcement that Israel's Shin Bet security service will join the investigation into the disappearance of Haymanut Kasau has drawn a measured response from the missing girl's family. Journalist Tziona Desta of Channel 12 News discussed the development with radio hosts Gideon Okuo and Amihai Atali on 103FM, explaining why relatives remain skeptical despite the high-level intervention.
President Isaac Herzog personally informed the family that the Shin Bet would be brought into the case. However, Desta noted that the father's public statement following that meeting reflected considerable caution. "I understand why he's so skeptical," she said. "The announcement didn't come from the Shin Bet itself --- a third party came and told them the agency would be entering the case and only assisting. No one from the Shin Bet has actually met with them."
The family's frustration after two and a half years without answers is palpable, Desta explained. While welcoming the Shin Bet's involvement, the father wants direct communication with the agency to understand exactly what role it will play. "He's saying: it wasn't the Shin Bet that told him what they plan to do, but rather the president who shared this information in a meeting," Desta said. "The father is asking to meet with the Shin Bet to understand what this means, which is why his happiness is restrained. Someone needs to explain to them what the Shin Bet plans to do and how much they'll be part of this story. I hope such a meeting will take place soon."
Regarding the current state of the investigation, Desta reported little new information. Lahav 433, Israel's major crimes unit, continues investigating without leaking details to the press. "What's actually being done, I don't know," she said. "All directions are being investigated, and I believe that. The work of Lahav 433 is important."
Desta concluded by emphasizing the disturbing mystery at the heart of the case. "This is a very strange story. A 9-year-old girl, who should now be celebrating her bat mitzvah, and her parents are walking around like the living dead in this situation. She disappeared from inside a closed absorption center, not a street, but an enclosed facility. She didn't walk out through the gate. You can see the footage of her inside the absorption center."
