Two Israeli Reserve Soldiers Killed After Armed IDF Drone Explodes in Gaza

The IDF Spokesperson cleared for publication today (Friday) that Master Sgt. (res.) Nadav Kali and Master Sgt. (res.) Ofek Mualem were killed in an operational accident in the Gaza Strip. The two were critically wounded when an IDF drone exploded inside an outpost in northern Gaza, and their deaths were later pronounced at Barzilai Hospital in Ashkelon.

The incident took place yesterday afternoon during an operation in which the soldiers were operating armed drones. According to the IDF's preliminary investigation, the two had flown two drones over the past day. The first mission was completed successfully, but during the second flight, the drone fell, for reasons that have not yet been determined, within the outpost where they were stationed.

After it fell, the soldiers approached the drone and apparently touched it. At that point, an explosion occurred, critically wounding both men. They received initial medical treatment in the field and were then evacuated to Barzilai Hospital, where doctors were forced to pronounce their deaths.

The IDF stressed that this was a standard-issue drone and that the mission had been approved in advance. In the wake of the accident, it was decided to suspend the use of munition-dropping drones and explosive drones for 48 hours. At the end of that period, another assessment will be held regarding their continued use.

According to the military's current assessment, the drone's fall was not caused by frequency interference or electronic warfare measures by Hamas. The IDF uses "Bat" drones both as suicide drones and for dropping munitions.

Following the serious incident, IDF Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir ordered the establishment of a team of experts to examine the circumstances of the accident. The team will be headed by a brigadier general from the Ground Forces.