Police confirm missing Israeli Eldar Dayan found dead; two friends held on suspicion of murder

Police have confirmed that the body discovered in Petah Tikva on Thursday morning is that of 23-year-old Israeli resident Eldar Dayan. Dayan's family was notified of the grim identification after forensic experts concluded the process. The family had learned about the body's discovery through media reports before receiving any official communication from the police. Dayan had been missing for two weeks after his family reported his disappearance.

The National Center of Forensic Medicine carried out a thorough investigation, including a comprehensive examination by a forensic pathologist and anthropologist, external examination, DNA sampling, and a CT scan. The identification process required advanced technologies that were developed following the October 7 event. The investigation into Dayan's death is ongoing by the center's professional teams.

Dayan's friends, Omri Peretz and Maxim Barberman, were held on suspicion of murder during the investigation. The Petah Tikva Magistrate's Court extended their detention for seven days. The judge ordered the proceedings to remain confidential at the request of the police and the suspects' defense attorneys. The suspects are currently not commenting on the ongoing investigation.

The body was found in an open area near Highway 40, approximately 200 meters from a gas station where an abandoned vehicle with a shattered window was discovered last month. The vehicle belonged to the mother of one of the suspects. Dayan's family had criticized the police's handling of the investigation, stating that they were not informed about the body's discovery until much later.

The family's attorney, Sapir Pardo, accused the police of showing insensitivity and failing to inform the parents about the body found. Dayan had gone out with friends on July 16, last seen speaking to his sister and girlfriend about "trouble." He was not heard from again, and his phone remained unavailable.