Fallen Soldiers Pioneered Drone Use in IDF, Father Recounts

The father of Staff Sergeant Major (res.) Nadav Kali, who fell in Gaza, recounted his son's life and his pioneering role in developing drone operations for the IDF. Yoav Kali, speaking alongside Nadav's partner Rotem Mandelbaum, described Nadav, 24, from Har Halutz in the Upper Galilee, as an adventurous child with a deep love for music. Nadav and his friend, Staff Sergeant Major (res.) Ofek Moalem, 23, were buried on Sunday. Both soldiers were killed in an operational accident in Gaza on Thursday when a military drone exploded.

Yoav Kali explained that Nadav and Ofek took the initiative to introduce and operate drones on the northern border years ago, purchasing the drones themselves as the military did not yet possess them. He stated with certainty that their personal project saved many lives. Nadav also learned to play the drums, following his parents' musical background.

The two soldiers died after two armed drones they were operating crashed within an IDF post in northern Gaza. The first drone completed its mission successfully, but the second exploded for reasons still under investigation. The soldiers were critically injured when they approached the fallen drone and subsequently died at Barzilai Hospital in Ashkelon. The drone was standard issue and the mission was pre-approved.

The IDF has temporarily suspended the use of explosive or payload-dropping drones for 48 hours pending a review. Initial assessments suggest Hamas's electronic warfare capabilities were not a factor in the crash. The IDF uses these "Bat" model drones for suicide attacks and ordnance delivery. Chief of Staff Aviv Kochavi has ordered a special expert team, led by a Ground Forces brigadier general, to investigate the incident.