Counter-Terrorism Officer Itai Peretz Found Dead After Three-Day Search

The Israel Police and Border Police announced on Sunday evening, the end of the Jewish New Year holiday, the death of Sergeant Major Itai Peretz, a 23-year-old officer in the National Counter-Terrorism Unit (YAMAM). Peretz's body was found after an extensive three-day search.

Peretz had gone to Students Beach in Haifa on Thursday afternoon. Contact with him was lost that evening, prompting a large-scale search operation. Throughout the holiday weekend, police officers, volunteers, Border Police officers, firefighting and rescue teams, and other emergency forces participated in the search efforts. His body was located on Sunday, and his family was notified. The circumstances of his death are currently under investigation, according to the police.

Peretz began his military service in January 2023 in a pilot's course before transferring to mandatory service in the Border Police in August of the same year. After completing his combat training, he joined a special program for undercover operative training. Upon completion, he was assigned to the observation and drone team of the YAMAM, the Border Police's National Counter-Terrorism Unit. He enlisted for permanent service in the unit in December 2025.

Peretz is survived by his parents, two brothers, two sisters, and a wife. The Israel Police and Border Police expressed their condolences to the family and pledged continued support.

Haifa Mayor Yona Yahav mourned Peretz, stating, "The heart breaks upon receiving the difficult news of the death of a son of Haifa, YAMAM officer Sergeant Major Itai Peretz. For almost three days, we all hoped and prayed that Itai would be found safe and sound. Unfortunately, the search ended today with the most difficult news of all." Yahav thanked all the forces involved in the search and added, "In this painful hour, all of Haifa embraces his parents, siblings, partner, friends, and all his loved ones. On behalf of the city of Haifa and its residents, I send the Peretz family our deepest condolences and the embrace of an entire city."