Two Israeli Reserve Soldiers Killed in Gaza Drone Malfunction

Two Israeli reserve soldiers, Sergeant Major (res.) Nadav Kali, 24, from Har Halutz, and Sergeant Major (res.) Ofek Moalem, 23, from Jerusalem, were killed yesterday in northern Gaza when a military drone exploded. The soldiers, part of Battalion 7007 of the 16th Brigade, were operating near a base close to Beit Hanoun.

According to the IDF, the soldiers were killed due to an operational malfunction in a drone that exploded. The incident occurred when the soldiers launched a first drone successfully, but a second drone crashed within the base. When the soldiers approached the crashed drone, it exploded for reasons still under investigation. Both soldiers were treated at the scene and evacuated by helicopter to an Israeli hospital in critical condition, where they were pronounced dead.

The IDF stated that the incident is under investigation, examining all possibilities, including potential communication disruptions. The specific type of drone involved has been temporarily grounded pending the investigation's findings. The IDF Spokesperson's Unit confirmed the deaths and announced that the Chief of Staff, Lieutenant General Eyal Zamir, has ordered the formation of an expert team, headed by a Brigadier General from the Ground Forces, to examine the circumstances and prevent future occurrences.

Defense Minister Israel Katz expressed his condolences, noting the tragedy occurred as Israel prepared for the Sukkot holiday. He extended deep sympathy to the families of Kali and Moalem. The article also mentions two other fatalities in Gaza: Raad Abu Alqian, a civilian contractor killed in a building collapse in Jabalia in June, and Staff Sergeant Omri Yaffe, who died on February 18th from friendly fire in Khan Younis during engineering operations.