Netanyahu Returns to Israel, Mourns Soldiers Killed by Drone

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu returned to Israel on September 25 following a one-day trip to New York where he addressed the UN General Assembly. His government plane, "Wing of Zion," landed at Ben Gurion Airport after departing from the Nevatim airbase in southern Israel. As on previous trips, journalists did not accompany the prime minister.

Immediately upon his return, Netanyahu reacted to the deaths of two Israel Defense Forces (IDF) reservists, Nadav Kali, 24, and Ofek Moualem, 23, who were killed in the Gaza Strip the previous day by an exploding drone. Both soldiers served in the Jerusalem Brigade's 7007th Battalion. "Nadav and Ofek, may their memory be blessed, were brave reservists who defended Israel's security," Netanyahu wrote on social media platform X. "We embrace their families in this difficult time and offer them our deepest condolences."

Netanyahu also stated that the IDF is investigating the circumstances of the incident and must learn lessons to ensure soldier safety. Preliminary investigation findings suggest the reservists were operating small FPV drones equipped with explosives. One drone successfully completed its mission, but the second fell on an army post shortly after takeoff for unknown reasons. When the soldiers approached the fallen drone a few minutes later, it exploded. Following the tragedy, the IDF has temporarily halted the use of all small explosive-carrying attack drones. Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir has also ordered the formation of a special expert commission to investigate the incident.