Two Reserve Soldiers Killed by Exploding IDF Drone in Gaza
Two Israeli reserve soldiers, Sergeant Major Nadav Kali and Sergeant Major Ofek Moalem, were killed in a tragic operational incident in northern Gaza. The soldiers, serving in the Jerusalem Brigade's 7007th Battalion, were operating explosive drones near the Beit Hanoun area. After successfully launching one drone, a second drone malfunctioned, fell within their military post, and detonated as they approached it.
The incident occurred during a mission involving the launch of "suicide" explosive drones. The first drone hit its target as planned, but the second experienced a malfunction shortly after takeoff, causing it to crash inside the military post. When the soldiers went to inspect the fallen drone, its explosive payload detonated, killing them.
Military medics provided immediate treatment, and the soldiers were evacuated by helicopter to an Israeli hospital in critical condition. Despite efforts to save them, they succumbed to their severe injuries.
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) has launched a comprehensive investigation into the incident. Investigators are examining all possible causes, including technical failure in the drone's operating mechanism or the possibility of electronic warfare or communication jamming leading to the crash. As a precautionary measure, the IDF has grounded all attack and payload-dropping drones of the type involved in the incident until the investigation is complete.
The deaths of Kali and Moalem bring the total number of IDF soldiers killed since the start of the war to 970.
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