Two Israeli Reservists Killed in Gaza Drone Incident

Two Israeli reservists, Sergeant Major (res.) Ofek Moalem, 23, from Jerusalem, and Sergeant Major (res.) Nadav Kali, 24, were killed in northern Gaza on Thursday when a drone they approached crashed and exploded. The two soldiers were part of Battalion 7007. The Israeli military is investigating the incident and has temporarily halted the use of that specific drone model. Moalem, who was studying mechanical engineering at Azrieli College in Jerusalem, is survived by his parents, a twin brother, and a younger sister. His former teacher described him as a tall, intelligent, shy, and modest individual who was always the first to volunteer and excelled academically, even during the COVID-19 pandemic. He recalled Moalem's significant involvement in a volunteer effort to pick lemons for a farmer, where Moalem stated, "Someone needs us, we come. No question at all." Moalem also participated in a pre-military program and later served in the Nahal Brigade.

Close friend Roi Almozino described Moalem as his best friend since birth, highlighting his helpful nature and positivity. Moalem reportedly expressed happiness about his reserve duty, having volunteered for many reserve days even when not called up, and became a commander in his second rotation. He told Almozino he "couldn't sit on the sidelines and not work hard." Moalem was to be buried at Mount Herzl Military Cemetery in Jerusalem at 12:00 PM on Friday.

Nadav Kali, a resident of Har Halutz in the Misgav Regional Council, is survived by his parents, Yoav and Dr. Yael, two older brothers, Roi and Itamar, and his girlfriend Rotem. Notably, Kali's classmate, Sergeant Major Itai Sadoun, who also fell in Gaza in November 2023, lived in the house opposite his. The Misgav Regional Council expressed condolences to the Kali family, noting Kali's service in Battalion 7007 of the 16th Brigade. Kali was scheduled to be buried at the Misgav cemetery at 1:00 PM on Friday.