The Escape from the Smashed Car and License Plate Removal: The Mystery of Elder's Disappearance and Open Questions

Elder Dayan, 23, from Dimona, has been missing since July 16. A car with a smashed window and blood stains was found in Petah Tikva, and two friends were arrested on suspicion of obstructing the investigation. Police are examining possibilities including a hit-and-run.

Elder (Yitzhak) Dayan, 23, from Dimona, has been missing since July 16. He went with a friend to central Israel, sent a final WhatsApp message to his girlfriend that afternoon, and spoke with his sister. Since then, no contact has been made. On July 18, a report was received of an abandoned car in Petah Tikva with a smashed window and blood stains, and suspects who removed a license plate and fled. The car belongs to the mother of one of the friends. The police did not immediately advance the investigation, and the family filed a complaint only on July 24. Two friends were arrested on suspicion of obstructing the investigation and gave conflicting versions. A police source said: "This is not a routine missing person case," and directions such as a hit-and-run are being examined.