Police identified Yamam fighter Itai Persson as dead diver found in Haifa's Students Beach

Sgt. First Class Itai Persson, a Border Police soldier from the Counter Terrorism Unit (Yamam), was identified as the diver found dead at Haifa's Students Beach on Saturday. Persson went free diving with his uncle on Thursday, losing contact around 5:30 p.m. after failing to resurface during an attempt approximately one kilometer offshore. Police were notified at 9:00 p.m., initiating a search that involved ground, air, and sea units, as well as various emergency and rescue agencies, until his body was located on Saturday afternoon. Persson, who initially aimed for a pilot role in the IDF, transferred to the Border Police in August 2023 and served in the Yamam's Observation and Drone Team.