Israeli Police Confirm Eldar Dayan's Body Found, Two Suspects Detained

Israeli police officially confirmed on Thursday that the body discovered earlier near Highway 40 belongs to Eldar Dayan, a 23-year-old from Dimona who had been missing since July 25. The family, who had been awaiting news for weeks, was formally notified of the grim discovery. Concurrently, two suspects linked to the case were brought before the Petah Tikva Magistrate's Court, where their detention was extended by six days until August 12. Investigators are directly examining their involvement in Dayan's death.

The investigation intensified after Central District Commander Amir Cohen ordered the case transferred from the Dimona police station in the Southern District to the specialized Central Unit (YAMAR) Sharon, following the southern investigators' declaration that all search avenues had been exhausted. Extensive searches led by YAMAR detectives, Petah Tikva police, Border Police fighters, and numerous volunteers culminated in locating the body in an open area near a major transportation artery.

The police expressed condolences to the family and pledged a thorough and professional investigation to uncover the truth and hold all responsible parties accountable. However, Dayan's family harshly criticized the police's handling of the case, accusing them of negligence and failing to update them on critical developments, including the discovery of the body. Footage showed Dayan's mother confronting officers at the scene, demanding not to remove the body without her consent.

The body was swiftly transferred to the National Institute of Forensic Medicine for formal identification and to clarify the circumstances surrounding Dayan's death. The disappearance case began on July 18, when Dayan went out with two friends in central Israel. A violent altercation broke out in Hod Hasharon and Yarkon Park between them and a group of five other youths. Police investigations revealed that during the fight, one friend attempted to run over the others with Dayan's car, damaging the windshield. Later, the friends allegedly threatened Dayan, saying, "We will kill you."