Two Israeli reservists were killed in the Gaza Strip after a small explosive drone they were operating crashed inside an IDF position and detonated when soldiers approached it, according to the military and Israeli military correspondents.
Who the soldiers were
The IDF identified the soldiers as Master Sgt. (res.) Nadav Kali, 24, from Har Halutz, and Master Sgt. (res.) Ofek Moalem, 23, from Jerusalem.
Both served in Battalion 7007 of the 16th Brigade and were killed on September 24.
How the accident happened, according to reporting
According to reporting by Israeli military correspondents, the soldiers were operating a small first-person-view strike drone when it crashed inside an Israeli position in the Gaza Strip for reasons that were not immediately clear.
The soldiers went to inspect the drone after the crash. It then exploded, critically wounding Kali and Moalem. Both later died of their injuries.
The precise cause of the crash and detonation remains under investigation.
Strike drone fleet grounded, investigation opened
The Times of Israel reported that the military grounded its small strike drone fleet while the incident is examined. The IDF chief of staff also established an expert team led by a Ground Forces brigadier general to investigate the accident and recommend measures intended to prevent a recurrence.
The publicly available reporting did not identify the drone manufacturer or model, and IsraelNews.io is not naming one based on speculation or images circulating online.
The risks of small explosive drones
Operational drones carrying explosive payloads have become a routine part of modern combat, including in Gaza, but the incident illustrates the risks they can also pose to the forces operating them. A malfunction, loss of control or unexploded payload can leave a dangerous device inside a military position.
No evidence available at publication time established the exact technical failure that caused the drone to come down.
How the deaths were announced
The deaths of Kali and Moalem were first announced through the IDF's official casualty system, which listed their names, ages, hometowns, unit and date of death. Additional details about the accident were subsequently reported by Israeli military correspondents citing the military investigation.
The IDF investigation is continuing, and technical findings could change the understanding of what caused the crash and explosion.
May their memories be a blessing.