Netanyahu Orders IDF Investigation into Drone Incident Killing Two Reservists

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has called for a thorough investigation into the deaths of two reserve soldiers in Gaza, urging the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) to implement measures to prevent similar incidents. The soldiers, identified as Staff Sergeant Nadav Kali and Staff Sergeant Ofek Moualem, were killed in a tragic accident involving an Israeli drone at a military site in the northern Gaza Strip.

According to the IDF, the incident occurred on the previous afternoon while soldiers from the 77th Battalion of the 16th Brigade were operating two drones. One drone, an "Ataf" model, detonated at its target. The second drone malfunctioned and fell near a temporary structure on the military site. The exact circumstances of its fall were unclear at the time.

When Kali and Moualem approached the fallen drone to assess the situation, it exploded, causing them severe injuries. They were evacuated to a hospital where they were pronounced dead. Netanyahu expressed his condolences to the families, stating, "Together with all citizens of Israel, my wife and I mourn the death of Staff Sergeant Nadav Kali and Staff Sergeant Ofek Moualem in the tragic incident yesterday in Gaza." He described them as brave reservists defending Israel's security.

In response to the incident, the Chief of Staff of the IDF has ordered the formation of a special expert team to examine the circumstances and recommend preventative measures. The team's mandate is to study the incident and determine necessary actions to ensure the safety and protection of IDF soldiers.