Police Search for Eldar Dayan After Altercation and Attempted Vehicle Assault in Hod Hasharon

More than two weeks after 23-year-old Eldar Dayan from Dimona disappeared following a fight in the Hod Hasharon area, Israeli police believe he is not a kidnapping victim but is hiding and wanted for questioning. The investigation focuses on Dayan and his two friends, Omri David Peretz and Maxim Barberman, who are suspected of involvement in the altercation and an attempted vehicular assault against one of five youths involved. This morning, the detention of Peretz and Barberman was extended by four days, with a delay in execution requested by their defense.

Initially classified as a missing person, police now suspect Dayan participated in the fight, allegedly punching one of the five youths. However, his role is considered minor compared to the serious charges against his two friends. The suspicion that Dayan drove without a license was recently dropped. Authorities expect that if Dayan is found, he will be detained for questioning but likely held for no more than 24 hours before the investigation concludes.

The incident occurred on July 18, when Dayan and his two friends arrived at an open area near Hod Hasharon. A fight broke out among the three but ended quickly. Later, between 1:00 and 2:00 p.m., they encountered five local youths, leading to a dispute over a minor issue involving a handshake. The confrontation escalated, with Dayan allegedly punching one of the youths. Subsequently, Peretz, who was driving his mother's car with Barberman, attempted to run over one of the youths. The trio then abandoned the vehicle at a gas station, removed its license plates, and fled on foot.

Police doubt the friends’ version that Dayan fled separately, as at least two eyewitnesses reported seeing all three running together toward the open area. Additionally, new suspicions emerged that Barberman threatened to kill Dayan before his disappearance. Barberman has remained silent during the investigation.

Police plan to complete the investigation into the fight and attempted vehicular assault this week and are considering indictments. Meanwhile, officers from the Dimona station have gathered intelligence to locate Dayan. A large-scale search operation involving police, volunteers, and Dayan’s family is scheduled for tomorrow. Authorities anticipate that once found, Dayan will be questioned and likely released shortly after, as the main charges focus on his friends’ actions rather than his own involvement.