Remains of Eldar Dayan Found After Two Weeks; Two Friends Suspected of Murder

The remains of Eldar Dayan were discovered approximately two weeks after his disappearance, about 50 meters from the vehicle he was traveling in with friends. The discovery took place near a convenience store where Dayan was last seen on July 18. Following extensive forensic examinations at the Abu Kabir Institute of Forensic Medicine, DNA tests confirmed the remains belonged to Dayan.

The investigation began after police received reports of an abandoned car at a gas station with its license plates being removed by three young men. Officers found the car’s windshield shattered with blood stains, initially suspecting a hit-and-run incident. It later emerged that Dayan and his friends had been involved in a violent fight with another group in a park between Hod Hasharon and Kfar Saba. During their escape, the car allegedly struck a member of the other group. Investigators believe Dayan was not driving at the time.

Two of Dayan’s friends were arrested on suspicion of involvement in the fight, leaving the scene after the injury, obstructing the investigation, and conspiracy to commit a crime. Throughout the investigation, multiple theories about Dayan’s fate surfaced, including that he fled voluntarily, but suspicions grew that he was murdered, with his two friends possibly implicated. Both suspects exercised their right to silence during parts of the interrogation.

Responsibility for the search initially lay with the Dimona police station and the Southern District, but after they exhausted their efforts, the case was transferred to the Sharon District’s Central Unit. Enhanced search operations involving police dogs, drones, Border Police, volunteers, and Prison Service fighters quickly located the remains near the abandoned vehicle. The condition of the remains suggests Dayan died shortly after he was last seen, casting doubt on earlier reports that he contacted his father after disappearing.

The proximity of the remains to the vehicle and the last known location has raised serious concerns about possible failures in the search operation. Authorities are reviewing the management of the search, coordination between districts, and information sharing. Meanwhile, Dayan’s family received the tragic confirmation after weeks of uncertainty. The investigation continues under a gag order, with details about the exact circumstances, motive, and timing of Dayan’s death still unknown.