Two IDF Reservists Killed in Gaza Drone Incident
A military drone operated by two reservists crashed inside an IDF outpost in northern Gaza, resulting in an explosion that killed both soldiers.
Two Israeli reservists were killed in the northern Gaza Strip on Friday when a military drone they were operating crashed inside an IDF outpost and exploded, according to the Israel Defense Forces (IDF).
The soldiers, Sgt. Maj. (res.) Nadav Kali, 24, from Har Halutz, and Sgt. Maj. (res.) Ofek Moalem, 23, from Jerusalem, were combat soldiers in the 7007th Battalion of the 16th Infantry Brigade. They were evacuated to Barzilai Medical Center in Ashkelon, where they were pronounced dead.
An initial investigation suggests the reservists were operating explosive drones against a target in northern Gaza. After the first drone successfully completed its mission, a second drone unexpectedly returned toward the Israeli force and crashed within the outpost. Kali and Moalem approached the crashed drone to investigate when it detonated.
Brig. Gen. Elad Tzuri, commander of the 99th Division, described the soldiers as "excellent." The 16th Brigade has been operating in the northern Gaza Strip since September 10.
The IDF is investigating the cause of the drone's return and the subsequent detonation. Investigators are examining possibilities including Hamas electronic warfare, although the IDF currently assesses that Hamas lacks the operational capabilities for such interference. Technical malfunction is also being considered. The specific type of drone, whether designed for impact detonation or munition deployment, has not been publicly specified.
Following the incident, the IDF grounded attack drones and drones used for munition deployment across its combat sectors pending the investigation.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu issued a statement mourning the loss of the reservists. "Nadav and Ofek were courageous reserve soldiers who defended Israel’s security," Netanyahu said. "We embrace their families in this difficult hour and send them our heartfelt condolences." He emphasized that "all the necessary lessons must be learned and implemented to ensure the safety and security of IDF soldiers."
Funerals for Moalem and Kali were held on Friday. Moalem was buried at Jerusalem’s Mount Herzl Military Cemetery, and Kali was laid to rest at the Misgav Cemetery in the Lower Galilee. Moalem was studying mechanical engineering and had volunteered for extensive reserve duty. Kali's neighbor, Staff Sgt. Itay Saadon, was killed in Gaza in November 2023.