Police Find Two Helmets Near Site of Eldar Dayan’s Disappearance in Ongoing Search

The search for Eldar Dayan, a 23-year-old from Dimona who disappeared after a violent altercation, continues with new developments. Police discovered two helmets near the Yarkon Stream, close to where Dayan was last seen. These helmets match those reportedly worn by Dayan and his two friends during the fight. The helmets have been sent to forensic labs for identification to confirm if they belong to the involved individuals.

Dayan’s mother, Shilat Dayan, joined the search efforts and expressed her anguish, saying, "They found the helmets, but what good is that? Where is my child? Let all of Israel’s police stand up and bring my child back." The search is being conducted by Southern District detectives using technological tools and drones, alongside family members.

Meanwhile, the Tel Aviv District Court extended the detention of Dayan’s two friends, Omri David Peretz and Maxim Barberman, by three days, though the court shortened the detention by one day upon partial appeal. The suspects remain under a gag order preventing publication of their images. Investigations revealed that Barberman allegedly threatened Dayan with murder and that both suspects attempted to run over one of the five youths involved in the fight.

The incident began on the morning of July 18 in an open area near Hod Hasharon, where Dayan and his two friends first argued among themselves before encountering a group of five local youths. A confrontation escalated into a fight, with Dayan reportedly punching one youth, while Peretz and Barberman allegedly tried to run over another. Shortly after, the three were recorded on security cameras at a gas station in Petah Tikva, where Dayan was seen entering shirtless, dressing inside, and leaving with his friends. The vehicle was later found abandoned with its license plate removed.

Police believe Dayan is not a kidnapping victim but is hiding and wanted for questioning regarding his involvement in the fight. The main investigation focuses on his friends’ alleged attempted vehicular assault and threats against Dayan. Authorities expect Dayan to be detained for less than 24 hours once found. They hope forensic analysis of the helmets and other evidence will clarify the events and lead to Dayan’s location.