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 IDF.
The IDF identified the slain soldiers as Sgt. Maj. (res.) Nadav Kali, 24, from Har Halutz in the Galilee, and Sgt. Maj. (res.) Ofek Moalem, 23, from Jerusalem. Both were combat soldiers in the 7007th Battalion of the 16th Infantry Brigade.
The soldiers were evacuated to Barzilai Medical Center in Ashkelon, where they were pronounced dead.
According to an initial investigation cited by Israeli media, the reservists were operating explosive drones against a terrorist in the northern Gaza Strip.
The first drone successfully completed its mission, but during a second operation, another drone unexpectedly returned toward the Israeli force and crashed inside its outpost.
Kali and Moalem approached the crashed drone to investigate, at which point it exploded, 99th Division commander Brig. Gen. Elad Tzuri said, according to military sources. Tzuri described the two reservists as “excellent soldiers.”
The 16th Brigade has been operating in the area of the northern Gaza Strip since Sept. 10.
The military is investigating why the drone returned toward the Israeli troops and how its explosive payload detonated after it crashed.
One possibility being examined is whether Hamas used electronic warfare capabilities to interfere with the drone. However, the IDF currently assesses that Hamas does not possess the operational capabilities in the electromagnetic spectrum required to cause such an incident.
Investigators are also examining the possibility of a technical malfunction. The military has not publicly specified whether the aircraft involved was a suicide drone designed to detonate on impact or a drone designed to drop munitions.
Pending the investigation, the IDF grounded attack drones and drones used to place munitions across its combat sectors. The incident occurred as the 16th Brigade continues operations in the northern Gaza Strip.
Netanyahu mourns reservists
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Friday mourned the deaths of the IDF reservists.
“Together with all the citizens of Israel, my wife and I grieve over the deaths of Master Sgt. (res.) Nadav Kali and Master Sgt. (res.) Ofek Moalem in yesterday’s tragic incident in Gaza,” Netanyahu said.
“Nadav and Ofek were courageous reserve soldiers who defended Israel’s security. We embrace their families in this difficult hour and send them our heartfelt condolences,” he added.
Netanyahu noted that the IDF is investigating the incident. “All the necessary lessons must be learned and implemented to ensure the safety and security of IDF soldiers,” the premier said.
Friday funerals
On Friday afternoon, Moalem was buried at Jerusalem’s Mount Herzl Military Cemetery and Kali was laid to rest at the Misgav Cemetery in the Lower Gailee.
Kali is survived by his parents, two older brothers and his partner, Rotem. He lived across the street from his former classmate Staff Sgt. Itay Saadon, who was killed in the Gaza Strip in November 2023.
The Misgav Regional Council said it “bows its head and shares in the grief of the Kali family.”
Moalem is survived by his parents, a twin brother and a younger sister. He had recently completed his first year studying mechanical engineering at Azrieli College of Engineering in Jerusalem.
Roy Almoznino, Moalem’s close friend since childhood, said that he had volunteered for extensive reserve duty since completing his mandatory service, including at times when he had not received a call-up order.
“Last week, our whole group got together, and he told us how happy he was in the reserves,” Almoznino told Ynet. “He really loved his friends and reserve duty.”
Moalem took on a command role during his second period of reserve duty, Almoznino said.
“He told me he couldn’t sit on the sidelines,” he added.
