Full Breakdown
Yamam Soldier Dies During Free-Diving Attempt Off Haifa
By Drooid · · How we work
Core Event
Sgt. First Class Itai Persson (also reported as Itai Parson), a 23-year-old member of Israel Police’s elite Counter-Terrorism Unit (Yamam), was found dead after a three-day search following his disappearance while free-diving at Haifa’s Students Beach. He entered the water on a Thursday with his uncle in a kayak, went approximately one kilometre offshore, and failed to surface during a dive. Contact was lost at about 5:30 p.m., and police were notified around 9:00 p.m. The search continued through Friday and concluded on Saturday when his body was recovered.
Background & Context
Persson enlisted in the Israel Defense Forces in January 2023, initially joining the Air Force pilot training course. He transferred to compulsory Border Police service in August 2023, completed basic and combat training, and later entered a specialized undercover track that placed him in Yamam’s observation and drone team. He began permanent service in December 2025, according to the police briefing.
Official Statements & Responses
Carmel District Commander Brig. Gen. He highlighted the use of drones, a police helicopter, light aircraft, boats, jet skis, mounted officers and off-road vehicles. Police Commissioner Dani Levy visited the coastline during the operation, and the Israeli Navy’s Shayetet 13 commando unit and the Yaltam underwater missions unit joined the sea search. An IDF spokesperson unit confirmed the involvement of Border Police, maritime police, the air force, emergency and rescue agencies, and the Haifa municipality.
Data & Statistics
- Search duration: three days (Thursday-Saturday).
- Distance from shore when the dive began: roughly one kilometre.
- Time of loss of contact: about 5:30 p.m.; police alerted at about 9:00 p.m.
- Personnel and assets: “hundreds” of officers plus naval commandos, drones, helicopters, aircraft, boats, jet skis, and ground vehicles.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
The two reports differ on the soldier’s surname—one spells it “Persson,” the other “Parson.” Both agree on his age, unit affiliation, and the circumstances of the dive. No official cause for the failure to resurface was disclosed, and the police have not explained why the diver did not return to the surface.