Two Arrested in Connection to Fight Before Eldar Dayan's Murder in Israel

Two individuals involved in a fight with Eldar Dayan and his friends prior to his murder were arrested on Monday evening after police questioning. The decision to detain them was made during the ongoing investigation, and they are scheduled for a remand extension hearing at the Petah Tikva Magistrate's Court the following day. Authorities clarified that these two new detainees are not suspects in the murder itself but are linked to the altercation preceding Dayan's death.

Earlier, two other suspects, Omri Peretz and Maxim Barberman, who were friends of Dayan, had already been arrested on suspicion of killing him. Their testimonies about the incident differed, with one claiming they were attacked by unknown assailants, while the other denied this. The police extended their detention as the investigation continues. A police source stated last week that the exact circumstances of Dayan's final moments would soon be clarified.

The case has drawn national attention since the 23-year-old from Dimona disappeared on July 16 after going out with Peretz and Barberman. Hours later, Dayan communicated briefly with his sister and girlfriend, saying "a mess, we'll talk," before all contact ceased. His phone went offline, and no signs of life were detected. A month ago, his abandoned car with a shattered windshield was found in Petah Tikva, containing bloodstains. Police are investigating whether the vehicle was involved in a hit-and-run accident.

Various theories emerged, including that Dayan was hiding after hitting someone with the car. Exactly three weeks after his last contact, his body was discovered about 200 meters from where the car was abandoned. His family has criticized the media for unfair coverage and sharply condemned the police's handling of the case, describing it as disgraceful and lacking proper communication, especially regarding informing Dayan's mother about the discovery of his body.

Dayan's funeral took place on Tuesday in his hometown of Eilat. His aunt, Hagar, mourned him as a beloved, innocent young man with a pure love for life and the sea. She expressed deep pain and anger over the cruelty that ended his life, the inability to clear his name, and the injustices caused by both the police and the media.