Israeli police confirmed on Thursday that a body discovered earlier near the Yarkon Interchange has been identified as Eldar Dayan, a 23-year-old resident of Dimona who had been missing for nearly three weeks. The remains, found in an advanced state of decomposition in an open area, were recovered during ongoing search efforts for Dayan.

The body was transferred to the L. Greenberg Institute of Forensic Medicine at Abu Kabir for formal identification and further examination to determine the circumstances surrounding his death. As of the time of the announcement, authorities had not disclosed the cause of death nor indicated whether there was any evidence suggesting Dayan was the victim of a criminal act.

Initially managed by the Dimona Police Station, the investigation was subsequently handed over to the Central District. The Sharon District Central Unit has assumed the lead role in the inquiry as police continue their efforts to gather information about the case. No additional details regarding potential suspects or motives have been released.