Israel identifies body of missing 22‑year‑old Aldar Dayan

Israeli authorities confirmed that the decomposed body discovered near Petah Tikva is that of 22‑year‑old Aldar Dayan, who vanished in July. DNA analysis by the National Institute of Forensic Medicine matched the remains to Dayan’s genetic profile, allowing officials to close the identification stage of the case.

Police have detained two close friends of Dayan for an additional six days on suspicion of involvement in his death. The suspects were with Dayan on the night of his disappearance, after which they visited a hotel in Tel Aviv, HaYarkon Park and a nearby service station. The family, represented by lawyer Sapir Pardo, criticised the police for failing to inform them promptly about the body’s discovery, describing the handling of the investigation as “insensitive” and “inhumane.” The investigation continues to determine the exact circumstances of Dayan’s death.