Two Israeli Reserve Soldiers Killed in Gaza Drone Accident
The IDF confirmed Friday the deaths of two reserve soldiers, Sergeant Major (res.) Nadav Kali, 24, from Har Halutz, and Sergeant Major (res.) Ofek Moalem, 23, from Jerusalem, both serving in the 7007th Battalion of the 16th Brigade. The soldiers were killed in a "serious operational accident" in the Gaza Strip when a military drone exploded.
The incident occurred Thursday afternoon when soldiers from the 7007th Battalion were operating from a post in northern Gaza. They launched two explosive drones to eliminate a terrorist. The first drone reached its target, but the second drone, for reasons still under investigation, returned towards the soldiers and crashed near a tent within the post. When Kali and Moalem approached the malfunctioning drone to retrieve it, it detonated, causing fatal injuries. Their deaths were pronounced shortly after.
Following the incident, the Chief of Staff ordered a temporary halt to all operations involving "Atalef" type explosive drones and similar models pending a technical review. The possibility of enemy electronic interference is also being examined, though the prevailing assessment is that Hamas lacks sophisticated electronic warfare capabilities.
Nadav Kali will be laid to rest at 12:00 PM at the Mount Herzl cemetery in Jerusalem, and Ofek Moalem's funeral will take place at 1:00 PM at the cemetery in Misgav.
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