Two Israeli Reservists Killed by Drone in Gaza Incident

The Israeli military confirmed the deaths of two reservist soldiers, Sergeant Major Ofeq Moalem, 23, from Jerusalem, and Sergeant Major Nadav Kali, 24, from Har Halutza, who were killed by a military drone in northern Gaza. The incident occurred on Thursday afternoon at an Israeli military post. The soldiers, part of the 7007th battalion of the 16th Brigade, were operating a drone as part of a mission. The first drone flight was successful, but on a second attempt, the drone crashed inside the military post for reasons yet to be determined. When the soldiers approached the crashed drone, it apparently exploded. Both soldiers were evacuated to Barzilai Hospital in Ashkelon, where they were pronounced dead. In response to the incident, the Commander of the Ground Forces ordered a temporary halt to the use of attack drones for 48 hours pending an initial investigation. Preliminary findings indicate the drone was standard issue and on an approved operational mission. The military has temporarily suspended drone operations until the initial investigation concludes. Nadav Kali, who leaves behind parents and two siblings, will be laid to rest on Friday at 1:00 PM in the Misgav cemetery. Friends remembered Kali as a "true warrior at heart" and a "golden person," recalling his deep conversations, musical talents, and strong character. He studied at Eshbal School and Tavor High School, completed a year of national service focused on music with teenagers, enlisted in the Nachal core, and later attended command and medic courses. After completing his mandatory service in 2024, he lived with his girlfriend Rotem, whom he had known since high school, before returning to Har Halutza.