Two Israeli Soldiers Killed in Gaza Blast, Including a Resident of a Village Struck Before

Sergeant Major (Res.) Nadav Kali, 24, from the Upper Galilee community of Har Halutz, was killed in northern Gaza on Thursday. He died alongside Sergeant Major (Res.) Ofek Moalem. This is the second time since the war began that the small community has lost a resident; Kali's classmate, Sergeant Major Itay Saadon, who lived opposite his parents' home, was killed in Gaza in November 2023.

The incident occurred when Kali and Moalem, both soldiers in the 7007th Battalion, approached a drone that had crashed inside a base. The drone then exploded, striking them. The IDF is investigating the circumstances of the event, and the use of that specific drone model has been temporarily halted.

Kali, who had recently completed his regular service in 2024 before joining the reserves, is survived by his parents, Yoav and Professor Yael, his older brothers Roi and Itamar, and his girlfriend Rotem, whom he had been with since high school. Friends remembered him as a strong, loyal, and central figure in their lives, known for his large smile and deep conversations.

One friend recalled Kali's passion for music, noting they had worked on projects together. Another friend described him as a "true fighter in spirit in every sense." The Misgav Regional Council confirmed Kali's death, noting he was a resident of Har Halutz and is survived by his parents and two brothers. He was laid to rest on Friday at 1:00 PM in the Misgav cemetery.