Police detain two in connection to disappearance of Dimona resident Eldar Dayan, suspect abduction

Police have detained two friends of missing 23-year-old Eldar Dayan, extending their custody by six days as they investigate his disappearance and a potential criminal incident. Omri Peretz and Maksim Braverman are suspected of obstruction of justice and conspiracy to commit a felony, having been arrested after investigators found contradictions in their accounts.

Investigators are exploring multiple scenarios, including abduction or Dayan's disappearance following a suspected hit-and-run. A vehicle linked to Dayan and his friends was found abandoned in Petah Tikva, exhibiting a shattered window and apparent bloodstains. Police are examining whether these findings are connected to an altercation, a collision, or subsequent attempts to conceal evidence.

Dayan was last seen near Yarkon Park in Tel Aviv on July 17, reportedly sending a WhatsApp message about being in "trouble" before his phone became unavailable. The two detainees provided conflicting statements regarding the events preceding Dayan's disappearance. One described an altercation and a broken vehicle window, while the other denied involvement in a fight or traveling in the same car.

While police have not publicly confirmed the circumstances of Dayan's disappearance, his mother stated that investigators believe he is alive. However, the family remains concerned about his whereabouts and the possibility that he is being held against his will. The investigation is still in its early stages.