(Sept. 25, 2026 / JNS) Two Israeli reservists were killed Friday in the northern Gaza Strip after a military drone they were operating crashed inside an IDF outpost and exploded, the Israel Defense Forces said.
The fallen soldiers were identified as Sgt. Maj. (res.) Nadav Kali, 24, of Har Halutz in the Galilee, and Sgt. Maj. (res.) Ofek Moalem, 23, of Jerusalem. Both served as combat soldiers in the 7007th Battalion of the 16th Infantry Brigade.
The two reservists were taken to Barzilai Medical Center in Ashkelon, where doctors pronounced them dead.
An initial investigation reported by Israeli media found that the soldiers had been operating explosive drones targeting a terrorist in northern Gaza.
The first drone completed its mission successfully. During a second operation, however, another drone unexpectedly turned back toward the Israeli force and crashed inside the outpost.
Kali and Moalem went to examine the downed drone, which then exploded, according to military sources cited by 99th Division commander Brig. Gen. Elad Tzuri. Tzuri described the reservists as “excellent soldiers.”
The 16th Brigade has been conducting operations in northern Gaza since Sept. 10.
The IDF is investigating why the drone flew back toward Israeli troops and how its explosive payload detonated after the crash.
Investigators are examining whether Hamas may have used electronic warfare to disrupt the drone. At present, however, the IDF assesses that Hamas lacks the operational electromagnetic-spectrum capabilities necessary to cause an incident of this kind.
A technical malfunction is also being considered. The military has not said publicly whether the aircraft was a suicide drone designed to explode on impact or a platform intended to release munitions.
While the inquiry continues, the IDF grounded attack drones and other drones used to deploy munitions across its combat zones. The incident took place as the 16th Brigade pressed ahead with operations in northern Gaza.
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Netanyahu mourns reservists
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu expressed his condolences Friday following the deaths of the two IDF reservists.
“Together with all the citizens of Israel, my wife and I grieve over the deaths of Master Sgt. (res.) Nadav Kali and Master Sgt. (res.) Ofek Moalem in yesterday’s tragic incident in Gaza,” Netanyahu said.
“Nadav and Ofek were courageous reserve soldiers who defended Israel’s security. We embrace their families in this difficult hour and send them our heartfelt condolences,” he added.
Netanyahu said the IDF’s investigation must lead to action. “All the necessary lessons must be learned and implemented to ensure the safety and security of IDF soldiers,” the prime minister said.
Friday funerals
Moalem was buried Friday afternoon at Jerusalem’s Mount Herzl Military Cemetery, while Kali was laid to rest at the Misgav Cemetery in the Lower Galilee.
Kali is survived by his parents, two older brothers and his partner, Rotem. He lived across the street from former classmate Staff Sgt. Itay Saadon, who was killed in the Gaza Strip in November 2023.
The Misgav Regional Council said it “bows its head and shares in the grief of the Kali family.”
Moalem is survived by his parents, a twin brother and a younger sister. He had recently finished his first year of mechanical engineering studies at Azrieli College of Engineering in Jerusalem.
Roy Almoznino, a close friend since childhood, said Moalem had volunteered for extensive reserve duty after completing his mandatory service, including periods when he had not received a call-up order.
“Last week, our whole group got together, and he told us how happy he was in the reserves,” Almoznino told Ynet. “He really loved his friends and reserve duty.”
Moalem took on a command role during his second period of reserve duty, Almoznino said.
“He told me he couldn’t sit on the sidelines,” he added.
