Missing Border Police Commando Found Dead in Haifa After Extensive Search

The body of 23-year-old Border Police commando Itay Parson was identified on Sunday, September 12, 2026, after a three-day search operation in Haifa. Parson, a resident of Haifa, had been missing since Thursday afternoon when he went to the Students' Beach and lost contact.

Parson served in the observation and drone team of the National Counter-Terrorism Unit (YAMAM) of the Border Police. He had previously served in the Border Police and completed an undercover operative course before joining the YAMAM. He had enlisted in permanent service with the unit in December 2025.

A massive search effort was mobilized, involving drones, a police helicopter, boats, jet skis, horses, jeeps, and ground teams. The search focused on aerial surveillance, the coastline, and the water, operating day and night. Numerous organizations participated, including police officers and volunteers from the Coastal District, Border Police, air units, sea patrol, mounted police, K9 units, the Navy's Yaltam unit, the Fire and Rescue Services' Lahav unit, police rescue units, the Haifa Municipality, United Hatzalah, volunteer emergency response teams, jeep volunteers, divers, beach lifeguards, Magen David Adom, the Yididim organization, ZAKA, and civilian volunteers.

The circumstances surrounding Parson's death are currently under investigation. The police expressed deep sorrow over his passing. The Mayor of Haifa, Yona Yahav, offered condolences to Parson's family, praising the extensive search efforts and thanking all the rescue and emergency forces involved. Parson is survived by his parents, including his mother, Judge Rona Parson, two brothers, two sisters, and his partner.