Israeli media report that the investigation into the disappearance of 23-year-old Eldar Dayan from Dimona has been transferred to the Central District, due to suspicion that he and his friends were involved in a brawl.
According to a report by N12 police correspondent Adar Gitzis, the investigation into the disappearance of 23-year-old Eldar Dayan from Dimona has been transferred to the Israel Police Central District. The reason cited is suspicion that Dayan and his friends were involved in a brawl. The development adds a new layer to a case that has seen multiple leads since Dayan was reported missing on July 17.
Earlier today, Wednesday, The Zioneer reported that police assess Dayan is hiding due to his alleged involvement in a hit-and-run accident, rather than being kidnapped. A court had extended the arrest of two of his friends, including Omri Peretz, on suspicion of obstruction of justice and conspiracy. Peretz's arrest was extended until August 2; his attorney stated he denies the allegations and questioned whether an offense occurred, noting there is no complainant or identified victim.
On Tuesday, July 28, a series of developments emerged: police found Dayan's shirt on Rokach Street in Petah Tikva, not far from where his vehicle was found. His mother, Shilat Na'im, told Channel 12 she fears someone is holding her son. Police said they are certain he is alive and have leads. Earlier that day, Dayan's final WhatsApp message to his partner was revealed: "There's a mess, sweetie, heading back to town." Two Dimona residents were arrested on suspicion of obstruction.
The Zioneer has reported throughout the investigation, including the evolving assessment that Dayan may be on the run after a hit-and-run, and now the new focus on a possible brawl. As The Zioneer reported on Tuesday, police initially considered both kidnapping and criminal incident theories. The shirt discovery and the arrests of friends have been key developments.
Dayan's current whereabouts remain unknown. The new brawl suspicion adds another dimension to the investigation, but all options remain on the table. Police have not confirmed whether the brawl is related to the earlier hit-and-run incident.
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Source and signal
- Open-source intake