'Israeli' soldier found dead after two-day search in Haifa

• Parson disappeared after visiting Students’ Beach, with authorities investigating the cause of death.
• Parson served in the unit’s drone and observation team after joining the military in 2023.

An operative serving in 'Israel’s' elite National Counter-Terrorism Unit (Yamam) was found dead on Saturday following a two-day search operation along the northern coast, 'Israeli' police and Border Guard authorities announced.

The deceased was identified as 22-year-old Staff Sergeant Itai Parson, a resident of Haifa.

According to official statements released by 'Israeli' police, Parson had gone to Students' Beach in Haifa on Thursday and lost contact shortly thereafter, triggering extensive land and sea searches by emergency services and military personnel over the weekend.

 הותר לפרסום: לוחם הימ״מ, רס״ר איתי פרסון ז״ל, בן 23 מחיפה, אותר ללא רוח חיים בחוף הסטודנטים בחיפה.

בתום 3 ימי חיפושים: אותרה גופת הצעיר שנעדר בחוף הסטודנטים בחיפה.
בתום שלושה ימי חיפושים אותרה גופתו של הצעיר, תושב חיפה בן 23, שנעדר בחוף הסטודנטים בעיר. הוא אותר ללא רוח חיים… pic.twitter.com/Hi1dK5t8tH

— Asslan Khalil (@KhalilAsslan) September 12, 2026

Circumstances still under investigation

'Israeli' authorities stated that the precise circumstances surrounding Parson's death remain under active investigation, with no official cause immediately released.

Parson originally enlisted in January 2023 into the air force pilot training program before transferring to the Border Guard's undercover operations track. He was subsequently assigned to the observation and drone team within Yamam, 'Israel’s' primary tactical counter-terrorism unit, where he signed on for career service in December 2025.

'Israeli' police and Border Guard officials confirmed they are providing support to Parson's surviving family members, including his parents, four siblings, and partner.