Israeli Police Believe Missing Dimona Man Eldar Dayan Is Alive and May Soon Emerge

Two weeks after Eldar Dayan, 23, disappeared from Dimona, Israeli police estimate he is still alive and may soon leave his hiding place. Central District police have pieced together details of an incident preceding his disappearance, involving a fight in Hod Hasharon, after which Dayan was seen leaving a vehicle near Petah Tikva. Dayan's family hired criminal lawyer Sapir Peredo, who stated there is no forensic evidence linking Dayan to any violent event and that once found healthy, he will report to police and provide his account.

Due to suspicions of criminal activity related to the Hod Hasharon fight, the investigation was transferred to the Central District. Two days ago, two of Dayan's friends from Dimona, both in their 20s, were detained on suspicion of involvement in a hit-and-run and obstruction of justice. A security camera captured Dayan at a gas station on July 18, shortly before his disappearance, showing him shirtless. Police noted inconsistencies in the initial testimony of one suspect, Maxim Barberman.

The abandoned vehicle Dayan was last seen in was found near the Petah Tikva gas station with a broken window and fingerprints of Dayan and his two friends inside. One suspect claimed they had an altercation with Eritreans in Tel Aviv, leading to the broken window and abandonment of the car. The other denied being at the event. Dayan's aunt, David, expressed confusion over conflicting versions and said the family had visited police and Petah Tikva but made no progress.

Text messages from Dayan to his girlfriend on the day of his disappearance reveal he mentioned trouble and planned to return soon, but communication ceased after 14:00. Police have described Dayan as 1.60 meters tall, slim, with brown eyes and short black hair. Authorities urge anyone with information to contact the Dimona police station or emergency services immediately.