2 IDF reservists killed in explosive drone malfunction in Northern Gaza

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) announced on Friday that two reservists from the 16th Jerusalem Brigade were killed Thursday in an operational incident involving one of their own explosive drones in the northern Gaza Strip.

Sgt. Maj. (res.) Nadav Kali (also spelled Keli), 24, from Har Halutz, and Sgt. Maj. (res.) Ofek Moalem (also spelled Mualem), 23, from Jerusalem, both served in the 7007th Battalion. They were stationed at a military post near Beit Hanoun.

According to initial reports, the soldiers were operating explosive drones as part of planned activity. The first drone completed its mission successfully. During the second launch, the drone crashed inside the Israeli post for reasons that remain under investigation. When the two reservists approached the downed aircraft—and in some accounts picked it up—it exploded, critically wounding them.

They received immediate medical treatment at the scene and were evacuated by helicopter to a hospital in Israel, where they were later pronounced dead. Their families have been notified.

The IDF has opened an investigation into the circumstances of the crash and the subsequent explosion. Possibilities under examination include a technical malfunction or communications interference, though the military currently assesses that Hamas lacks the electronic warfare capabilities to cause such an incident. IDF Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir has ordered an expert panel, headed by a Ground Forces brigadier general, to probe the deadly incident.

Pending the investigation’s findings, the IDF has grounded the type of explosive drones involved (described in some reports as “Atalef” FPV drones) for at least 48 hours, and in broader accounts has temporarily suspended use of small armed drones across units.

The deaths bring the total number of Israeli soldiers killed since the start of the war to 970, according to IDF figures. The 16th Brigade has been operating in the northern Gaza area in recent weeks.

May their memories be a blessing.