Two Israeli Reservists Killed by Drone in Gaza Incident

The Israeli military confirmed the deaths of two reservist soldiers, Sergeant Major (res.) Ofeq Moalem, 23, from Jerusalem, and Sergeant Major (res.) Nadav Kali, 24, from Har Halutz, who were killed by a military drone in northern Gaza. The incident occurred on Thursday afternoon at an Israeli military post. The two soldiers, part of the 7007th Battalion of the 16th Brigade, were operating a drone as part of a mission. After a successful first flight, the drone crashed within the military post on its second attempt for reasons yet to be determined.

Moalem and Kali approached the crashed drone, which then apparently exploded, causing their fatal injuries. They were evacuated to Barzilai Hospital in Ashkelon, where their deaths were pronounced. An initial investigation indicates the drone was a standard operational model approved for the mission.

In response to the tragedy, the Commander of the Ground Forces has ordered a temporary halt to the use of attack drones for 48 hours pending the conclusion of the initial investigation. The military has also suspended drone operations until the preliminary inquiry is completed.

Nadav Kali, who leaves behind parents and two siblings, was remembered by friends as a "true warrior at heart" and a "golden person." He studied at the Eshbal school and Tafen high school, completed a year of national service focused on music with youth, enlisted in a Nahal core, and later underwent command and medic training. He lived with his girlfriend Rotem, whom he had known since high school, and had recently returned to Har Halutz.