Israeli Police Investigate Disappearance of Eldar Dayan After Gas Station Sighting

Eldar Dayan, a 23-year-old from Dimona, was last seen on July 18 at the Yarkonim Junction gas station, where security cameras captured him entering a convenience store shirtless and leaving fully dressed. Shortly before this, Dayan and two companions abandoned their vehicle, which had a shattered windshield with blood stains. Police from the Petah Tikva station responded within minutes, initiating a broad investigation involving forensic experts, bomb squad, accident investigators, and intelligence personnel.

Initial searches around the gas station and hospital checks found no trace of Dayan or injuries. The vehicle was linked to a Dimona resident, and the driver was summoned for questioning. A week later, on July 25, a missing person report was filed for Dayan, allowing police to connect the abandoned car case with his disappearance. Two of Dayan’s acquaintances from Dimona were arrested and questioned, alongside other suspects from the Petah Tikva area, totaling six individuals involved, with one still sought.

Police believe the incident began as a minor fight escalating into a confrontation and a chase, involving vehicle collisions and an attempted run-over. Blood on the broken windshield was not Dayan’s but belonged to one of the arrested suspects. Authorities emphasize there is no indication of drug-related motives or other criminal backgrounds. The investigation continues with extensive searches and interrogations, led by senior police officials who have committed full resources to locating Dayan. Kidnapping has been ruled out, and police highlight the critical role of early forensic and surveillance work in piecing together the events leading to Dayan’s disappearance.