Two IDF reservists, Maj. (Res.) Nadav Kali, 24, and Maj. (Res.) Ofek Moalem, 23, were killed after a drone they were operating crashed inside their outpost in northern Gaza and exploded as they inspected it. Both were evacuated to Barzilai Medical Center in Ashkelon and later pronounced dead. The IDF is investigating whether electronic interference or an explosive mechanism caused the blast and has grounded all attack and munition-dropping drones pending the probe.
Two IDF Reservists Killed After Drone Explodes Inside Northern Gaza Outpost
Fallen soldiers Ofek Moalem, 23, and Nadav Kali, 24, are pictured following the IDF announcement of their death in the Gaza Strip. Announcement dated September 25, 2026. (photo credit: IDF SPOKESPERSON
Two Israel Defense Forces reservists were killed when a drone they were operating crashed inside their military outpost in the northern Gaza Strip and detonated as they approached, the army said on Friday.
Names and immediate aftermath: The fallen were identified as Maj. (Res.) Nadav Kali, 24, of Har Halutz, and Maj. (Res.) Ofek Moalem, 23, of Jerusalem. Both were evacuated to Barzilai Medical Center in Ashkelon but were later pronounced dead, 99th Division Chief Brig.-Gen. Elad Tzuri said.
What happened: According to the military, the pair had successfully completed an initial drone mission. During a subsequent sortie the aircraft crashed inside their outpost; when the soldiers went to inspect the downed drone, it exploded, Tzuri said. No other soldiers were reported wounded.
IDF Paratroopers Brigade operating in the Gaza Strip. Pictures released on August 24, 2026. (credit: IDF SPOKESPERSON'S UNIT)
Investigation under way: The IDF is investigating how the device detonated as the two soldiers approached and whether electronic interference played a role. Officials said they are exploring whether Hamas used the electromagnetic spectrum to disable or manipulate the drone, although the army currently assesses that Hamas likely does not possess that level of spectrum-operational capability. The military has not yet clarified whether the aircraft was a suicide drone or a platform intended to drop munitions.
Operational response: Pending the outcome of the probe, the IDF has grounded all attack and munition-dropping drones across combat sectors. The move aims to identify technical or procedural vulnerabilities and to update safety protocols for unmanned systems in the field.
Reactions and context: Tzuri described the two as "excellent soldiers," noting one served as a sergeant and the other as a squad commander. He added that the 16th Brigade has been operating in that sector of the northern Gaza Strip since Sept. 10. Defense Minister Israel Katz offered condolences on X, saying he embraced the families and wished that "the memory of Nadav and Ofek be a blessing."
The IDF said the investigation will continue and further details will be released as they become available.
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