Israeli Court Extends Detention of Eldar Dayan's Friends on Murder Suspicion After Body Found

The Petah Tikva Magistrate's Court extended the detention of Omri Peretz and Maxim Barberman, friends of missing Eldar Dayan from Dimona, by seven days on Thursday. The police have now officially suspected them of murder following the discovery of a decomposed body near the Yarkon interchange earlier that day. The body was found about 200 meters from a gas station where a damaged car linked to one of the suspects' mothers was previously located. The body was sent for forensic examination to confirm identity and cause of death.

Dayan's family criticized the police for poor communication, stating they learned of the body's discovery through the media rather than directly from authorities. Dayan's mother arrived at the scene in distress, pleading with officers to bring her son back. The police transferred the investigation to the Sharon Central Unit and launched extensive searches with Border Police and volunteers. Dayan, 23, has been missing for about three weeks after going out with friends on July 16 and reporting some trouble before disappearing.

Earlier, a car with a broken window and blood stains was found abandoned in Petah Tikva, possibly involved in a hit-and-run incident. Both suspects have given conflicting accounts during interrogation, with one claiming they were attacked by unknown assailants and the other denying this. They are also suspected of involvement in a hit-and-run during a fight and threatening Dayan. Both men have exercised their right to silence. Defense lawyers deny any connection between their clients and the body or the crime.

Judge Zohar Gevaon ruled there is reasonable suspicion against the suspects, noting their behavior after the event raises many questions. The police had requested a 15-day extension but received only seven days. The investigation continues as authorities await forensic results to confirm the identity of the body and clarify the circumstances surrounding Dayan's disappearance and the possible murder charge.