Body of soldier Majdi Halabi found in Carmel Forest

Cleared for publication that this morning (Thursday) a match was found between the remains of a body found in the Carmel Forest and the missing soldier Majdi Halabi.

The remains were found by chance a few weeks ago, near the village of Usfiya and were identified by the Institute of Forensic Medicine. Circumstances surrounding the death of the missing soldier since May 2005 are investigated by the Central Unit of the Beach County.

The one who found the bones of Majdi's body was a contractor of the Keren Kayemet Le'yisrael, who was pruning trees in the forest near the Chik stream in Usfiya.

The head of Personnel, General Orna Barbivay, gave the announcement of finding a match a short time ago to the Halabi family. Notice of the date of the funeral will be announced separately.

The IDF spokesman said that the IDF will continue to do everything in its power, combining arms with all security agencies to return all missing soldiers to the bosom of their families.

Majdi Halabi left his home in Dalit El-Carmel in May 2005 for a military leave, and told his parents that he was returning to his base. Majdi was in civilian clothes and took with him a small bag, in which apparently was an IDF uniform, but on the other hand there were witnesses who saw him in his uniform.

An eye witness from his village said that he saw Halabi around 15:30pm at the grocery store in his village, buying a can of drink, and investigation showed that he managed to draw 50 shekels from the ATM at his village before his disappearance. Officers involved in the case claimed later that they discovered a number of contradictions in the testimonies of the family about his clothing, as well as the day and time he was last seen.

Majdi Halabi began his military service in a technical school of the Air Force, but during the service he was moved to an arms force base near Haifa.

Col. Orna Barbivay said today (Thursday) as she left the family of the missing soldier Majdi Halabi whose remains had been found, that one can not determine whether he was murdered or committed suicide. Investigators are at the scene where the body was found and are collecting evidence. At the family home there are now officers of the army and commander of the northern district as well as county officers from the Beach County and Chai station.

'בחדרי' גם ברשתות החברתיות - הצטרפו!