Majdi Halabi. Photo: The Halabi family.

One gruesome discovery has led to another near the small town of Usafiya, in northern Israel. Just a month after Ibrahim Kozli stumbled across the remains of IDF soldier Majdi Halabi’s body in a forest near the town, more human remains were found within the area. Yediot Ahronot reported that the findings will be sent to Abu Kabir Forensic Institute to determine whether or not they belong to Halabi.

A large police unit, with around 100 officers, was scanning the area for clues that might lead them to determine the cause of Halabi’s death, the report in Yediot Ahronot said.

Halabi had last been seen on May 24, 2005 on his way from his home to a base in Haifa where he was stationed. Reports said that he used an ATM and bought a can of soda before arriving at a hitchhikers station in his hometown. A relative reported having seen him right before his disappearance.

Kozli, a childhood friend of Halabi’s, was cutting down trees which had been burnt down in the Carmel forest fire when he discovered the remains. He said he hopes to collect the $10 million offered by the Born to be Free foundation, for information leading to Halabi’s whereabouts, reports Yediot Ahronot.

Yediot Ahronot reported that Halabi’s family has said claims that the soldier committed suicide were unfounded. “We dismiss claims suggesting Halabi committed suicide,” said Halabi’s uncle, Samich Halabi.