Two Reserve Soldiers Killed in Gaza by IDF Drone Explosion

The names of two Israeli reserve soldiers who were killed in a blast from an Israeli military drone in northern Gaza were released Friday. Sergeant Major (res.) Nadav Kali, 24, from Har Halutz, and Sergeant Major (res.) Ofek Moalem, 23, from Jerusalem, were serving in the 7007th Battalion of the 16th Brigade. The incident occurred Thursday afternoon when the soldiers were operating from a forward position. The unit had launched two explosive drones targeting a terrorist in the area. According to initial investigation findings, the first drone reached its target, but the second drone inexplicably returned toward the soldiers and crashed into a tent within the position. Kali and Moalem were fatally injured when the malfunctioning drone exploded as they were handling it. Both were evacuated to the hospital where their deaths were pronounced. In response to the incident, the Chief of Staff ordered a temporary halt to operations involving "Atalef" model explosive drones and other types pending a technical review. The possibility of enemy frequency jamming is being investigated, but the cause of the drone's return and subsequent explosion remains undetermined.