Two Israeli soldiers were killed after a drone they were operating crashed and exploded inside a military outpost in the northern Gaza Strip, the Israel Defence Forces (IDF) said on Friday.
The two soldiers, both reservists serving with the IDF’s 16th Brigade, were initially evacuated to Barzilai Medical Center in Ashkelon but were later pronounced dead, according to 99th Division commander Brig. Gen. Elad Tzuri.
The soldiers were identified as Maj. (Res.) Nadav Kali, 24, from Har Halutz, and Maj. (Res.) Ofek Moalem, 23, from Jerusalem.
The Israeli military has temporarily suspended the use of attack drones for two days after one of its own unmanned aircraft crashed and exploded inside a Gaza outpost.
According to Tzuri, the soldiers had successfully completed their first drone operation.
During their second operation, however, the drone crashed inside their outpost in northern Gaza.
Tzuri said the two soldiers went to inspect the crash site, after which the drone exploded, killing both of them.
The 16th Brigade has been operating in the northern Gaza Strip since September 10, Tzuri said. No other soldiers were injured in the incident.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu expressed condolences to the families of the two soldiers.
“Nadav and Ofek, of blessed memory, were brave reserve soldiers who defended Israel’s security,” Netanyahu said. “We embrace their families in their difficult hour and send them our deepest condolences.”
Defence Minister Israel Katz also offered condolences, saying the deaths came as families across Israel were preparing for a holiday.
“At the hour when the people of Israel is preparing for the holiday, two dear families are grappling with the worst of all,” Katz wrote on X. “On behalf of the entire security establishment, I wish to embrace and send condolences from the depths of the heart to their families. May the memory of Nadav and Ofek be a blessing.”
The IDF has launched an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the drone explosion, including whether Hamas may have interfered with the drone using the electromagnetic spectrum.
According to the IDF, its current assessment is that Hamas does not have the operational capability required to carry out such a manoeuvre.
Investigators are also examining how the explosive device detonated as the two soldiers approached the crashed drone.
The military has not disclosed whether the aircraft was a suicide drone or a drone designed to carry and release munitions.
As a precaution, the IDF has temporarily grounded attack and munition-dropping drones across all combat sectors while the investigation into the incident continues.
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