Two Friends of Missing Eldar Dayan Suspected of Threatening His Life Amid Investigation

Eldar Dayan has been missing for two weeks, and the ongoing search for him has taken a new turn as two of his friends, initially detained over conflicting statements, are now suspected of threatening to kill him before his disappearance. On August 2, 2026, the two were brought to the Petah Tikva Magistrate's Court where police requested a seven-day extension of their detention. Judge Gil Gabai partially granted the request, extending their detention by four days but delayed the execution and publication of their names until 2 p.m. that day.

Police officer Yaniv Hindi revealed during the hearing that investigators are also probing another violent incident involving the suspects, who allegedly ran over five youths with a vehicle during a dispute in Hod Hasharon. The suspects face multiple charges including endangering life on a transportation route, conspiracy to commit a crime, assault causing serious injury, reckless driving, brawling, and obstruction of justice.

According to the investigation, the events began in an open area near Hod Hasharon where Dayan and the two friends, reportedly under the influence of drugs, had a confrontation. The two friends left Dayan behind with his phone in their car, then returned shortly after, coinciding with the arrival of five local youths. A violent fight broke out, during which one suspect allegedly tried to run over one of the youths multiple times, causing minor injuries.

The three suspects fled to a gas station near Petah Tikva on Route 40, removed the car’s license plates, abandoned the vehicle, and escaped upon noticing police. They reportedly hid briefly in a nearby pit before splitting up. The two friends took a bus back to Dimona, where they were later arrested. Dayan parted ways with them near Petah Tikva and has not been seen since.

Police believe Dayan is not a kidnapping victim but is hiding in a safe house for unknown reasons. Investigators suspect the two friends hold key information that could solve the case. One suspect’s lawyer requested to release them, arguing that the investigation is delayed because Dayan remains missing and that most investigative actions could proceed without their detention. The lawyer also claimed Dayan is a suspect himself and that the police have the means to locate him, while the detained friends are being held as "hostages" until Dayan is found and provides his account. Judge Gabai noted there is reasonable suspicion against the detainees for the alleged crimes.