Israel Police

The IDF confirmed the clash in a statement later on Saturday, noting that it is conducting searches in the area as the military continues its investigation.

The Joint List said MK Ofer Cassif intended to contact the Tel Aviv District police commander that evening to demand the swift arrest and prosecution of those involved.

The Prime Minister's Office (PMO) condemned the attack in an X/Twitter post later on Friday, noting that the facts "remain unclear" and that "serious questions remain" regarding who is responsible.

The incident reportedly developed after Hilltop Youth extremist settlers established a barricade, attempting to prevent Palestinian vehicles from transiting through the area.

According to police, the group organized as an illegal military force whose members threw Molotov cocktails and stones at Israeli vehicles, roads, and settlement locations in the area.

Israel's Fire and Rescue Authority initially warned that hazardous chemicals may have leaked following the explosion, with the Kiryat Gat municipality asking residents to stay away from the area.

According to police, the reputation the agent had built in the criminal underworld allowed him to gain the trust of dealers and carry out dozens of controlled drug transactions.

The Tel Aviv-Jaffa Municipality said the building was slated for demolition prior to its unexpected collapse, and instructed residents to stay away from the scene.

The 18-year-old is suspected of serious offenses against national security, membership in a terrorist organization, and preparing to commit a terrorist act.

The investigation began Sunday after police received a report of young children wandering alone near the facility. Officers arrived, located the toddlers, and helped return them to their parents.