Israeli who was declared missing after voluntarily entering a Palestinian village in the Samaria region located
Security forces located Yaniv Sardel, a 53-year-old resident of Ariel, who voluntarily entered a Palestinian village in Samaria. He was found safe and sound after a joint overnight operation by police, IDF, Shin Bet, and Israel Prison Service, which included searches, an inter-organizational command post, the elite unit 'Masada', and a police helicopter.
Security forces located Yaniv Sardel, a 53-year-old resident of Ariel, who was declared missing after voluntarily entering a Palestinian village in the Samaria region. In a joint statement from police, Shin Bet, Israel Prison Service, and IDF spokesperson, it was reported that security forces operated from the night hours (Thursday) following the report. Sardel was found safe and sound. Upon receiving the report, police and IDF forces began searches. Security agencies established an inter-organizational command post, deploying technological capabilities, intelligence gathering efforts, special units including the elite 'Masada' unit of the Israel Prison Service, and launching a police helicopter from the air division. Sardel was last seen on Wednesday, September 9, 2026, in the evening hours in the Ariel area. His description was published: height 1.78 m, black hair, dark brown eyes, slim-medium build, wearing black shorts, a black shirt, and white flip-flops.