Police Confirm Eldar Dayan's Body Found, Suspects Detained for Murder in Dimona Case

Israeli police have confirmed that the decomposed body discovered near a gas station in Dimona is that of Eldar Dayan, a young man who had been missing for about four weeks. The body was found early Thursday morning in the same area where Dayan was last seen, a location previously searched by authorities. Following the identification, police have intensified murder suspicions against two of Dayan's friends, Maxim and Omri, who were detained and had their remand extended by a week despite police requests for a longer period.

The investigation revealed that on the morning of Dayan's disappearance, he and his two friends traveled to Hod Hasharon, where a fight broke out among them and with five other youths. Witnesses reported that after the altercation, Maxim and Omri attempted to run over Dayan with a car and later removed the vehicle's license plate at a gas station before the three were seen running together toward an open area. However, one suspect claimed they split up, contradicting witness statements.

Police also disclosed that Maxim had threatened to kill Dayan, information provided by others involved in the fight. The police ruled out the suspicion that Dayan was driving without a license. Dayan's body was sent to the National Institute of Forensic Medicine for DNA testing and further examination to determine the cause of death. The investigation continues under the suspicion of murder, with police focusing on the events leading to Dayan's death and the involvement of his friends.

Dayan's mother arrived at the scene upon hearing the news, expressing frustration over the lack of communication from the police. The case was recently transferred from the Southern District to the Central District police to consolidate investigative efforts. Defense attorneys have criticized police conduct during the investigation, particularly regarding the handling of the suspects and media leaks.