Soldier leaves suicide note, and then goes missing

An IDF soldier, Netta Brand, was reported missing Wednesday.

He had left his home after leaving a suicide note, according to the soldier’s family. He was dressed in full uniform, and had his IDF-issued gun, when he left his home at 8 a.m.

Police were conducting extensive searches throughout the country, together with the army and volunteers. The army said it did not believe his disappearance was security related, but rather that it was planned in advance and of a personal nature.

His family and friends started a Facebook page to try and help find him.

Brand is from Givat Yeshayahu, near Beit Shemesh.

Another soldier, Eshel Zilberstein, went missing in March, and was located by police on the Eilat beach promenade the following day, in good condition. Hundreds were involved in that search.