Fallen IDF Drone Operator Becomes Reserve Commander, Remembered for Initiative

Ofeq Moalem, who fell during a drone incident in Gaza, was remembered by his close friend Roi Almouzino as an exceptional individual who always sought to do more. The incident occurred when two armed drones were being operated in northern Gaza. The first mission was successful, but the second drone crashed within a military post for reasons still under investigation. Moalem and another reservist, Nadav Kali, approached the downed drone, and an explosion ensued, critically injuring them. Both were pronounced dead at Barzilai Hospital in Ashkelon.

Almozino described Moalem as a standout in all aspects of his life, from school to his university degree. Moalem, who enlisted early among his friends, was a combat soldier and team commander who disliked inaction. After completing his regular service two years prior, he quickly rose to become a commander during reserve duty due to his proactive nature. Moalem had served in the north during his regular service and was responsible for many drones before his discharge, having completed a drone course.

Almozino was on his way to Moalem's funeral during the interview, expressing the profound difficulty of processing the loss. He acknowledged that while his grief is immense, he is one of thousands of Israelis his age experiencing similar tragedies.