Police free 5 suspects arrested over disappearance of IDF soldier nearly 3 decades ago

Tuba-Zangariyye residents released without charge weeks after reports claimed a 'dramatic breakthrough' in probe into whereabouts of Guy Hever, who has been missing since 1997

Guy Hever at 17. The 20-year-old soldier exited a guard post on the Golan Heights and vanished without a trace. (Courtesy of Rina Hever)

Police have released five suspects without charge after they were arrested last month on suspicion of involvement in the disappearance of missing IDF soldier Guy Hever, Hebrew media outlets revealed Friday, following the expiration of a gag order.

A court had issued a sweeping gag order on publishing details on the three-decade-old case, with reports earlier this month claiming there had been a “dramatic breakthrough” in the investigation.

Police sources told the Haaretz daily that the investigation into the five suspects, all Tuba-Zangariyye residents, was dropped after information provided about them was determined to be unreliable.

There was no immediate police confirmation on the suspects’ release.

In August 1997, Hever, a sergeant, left his post on a base in the Golan Heights carrying only his rifle. The base, Camp Thunder, was less than 23 kilometers (14 miles) from the Syrian border.

No trace of Hever has ever been found, and the case remains one of Israel’s most confounding mysteries.

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