2 IDF reservists killed in Gaza as military drone they were operating crashes inside outpost

Key Points:

• Two Israeli reservists, Sgt. Maj. Nadav Kali and Sgt. Maj. Ofek Moalem, were killed when a military drone they were operating crashed and exploded inside an IDF outpost in northern Gaza.
• The soldiers were conducting drone operations against terrorists when a second drone malfunctioned, returning unexpectedly and detonating as they investigated it; the IDF is investigating whether the cause was technical failure or electronic warfare interference.
• Following the incident, the IDF has grounded attack drones and those used to place munitions across combat sectors pending investigation results.
• Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu mourned the deaths, emphasizing the need to learn lessons to ensure soldier safety, while the fallen soldiers were buried with military honors in Jerusalem and the Lower Galilee.
• Both reservists were highly regarded, with Moalem recently completing his first year of engineering studies and demonstrating strong commitment to reserve duty, and Kali remembered by his community and family.