The remains discovered by Israel's Fire and Rescue Authority in a cistern outside of Kfar Zoharim near Beit Guvrin on Tuesday afternoon belong to missing person Moshe Tzabari, Israeli media confirmed later that evening.
Earlier in the afternoon, Israel Police opened an investigation into the incident and the possibility of ruling it a murder.
"Police have begun collecting evidence and looking into the incident," the police's original statement said.
The remains were transferred to the Institute of Forensic Medicine in Abu Kabir for identification.
Israel Police looking into whether or not remains belong to missing Jerusalemite
Israel's public broadcaster KAN News reported on Tuesday afternoon that Israel Police were also looking into whether or not the remains belonged to a Jerusalem resident who was reported missing earlier this week.
The missing resident's burnt-out vehicle was discovered in a forest outside of Kiryat Gat last night, KAN added.