Two Israeli Reservists Killed in Accidental Drone Explosion in Gaza

Two Israeli reservist 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 an Israeli military drone exploded. The soldiers, part of Battalion 7007 of the 16th Brigade, were stationed at a post near Beit Hanoun and were operating two drones. The first drone's mission was successful, but the second drone crashed within the base. When the soldiers approached the crashed drone, it exploded for reasons still under investigation. Both soldiers were evacuated by helicopter in critical condition to an Israeli hospital, where they were pronounced dead.

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

Defense Minister Yoav Gallant expressed his condolences to the families, noting the tragedy occurred just before the Sukkot holiday. He emphasized the sorrow felt by the entire defense establishment. The article also mentions previous fatalities in Gaza, including Raad Abu Alqian, a contractor killed in a building collapse in June, and Sergeant Major Ofri Yaffe, who died in February from friendly fire during an engineering operation in Khan Younis.