Two IDF reservists were killed Thursday afternoon when an IDF attack drone crashed inside their outpost in northern Gaza and exploded as they examined it, the military announced Friday morning.
Master Sgt. (res.) Nadav Keli, 24, of Har Halutz in the Upper Galilee, and Master Sgt. (res.) Ofek Moalem, 23, of Jerusalem, served in the 7007th Battalion of the Jerusalem Brigade (Brigade 16). Both were posthumously promoted from the rank of sergeant first class.
According to the IDF's initial findings, the two were operating explosive attack drones from an outpost near Beit Hanoun. The first drone launched successfully and struck its target. A second drone malfunctioned shortly after takeoff and crashed inside the outpost. When the soldiers approached and lifted it, the explosive charge detonated for reasons not yet known.
Medical teams treated them at the scene, and they were evacuated by helicopter in critical condition to a hospital in Israel, where they were pronounced dead.
The IDF has opened an investigation and grounded all attack drones of the type involved until the circumstances are clear. Investigators are examining every possibility, from a technical fault in the drone's operating system to communications jamming or electronic warfare that may have caused it to lose contact and fall.
Keli is survived by his parents and two brothers. His funeral will be held Friday at 1 p.m. at the Misgav cemetery, the Misgav Regional Council announced.
According to IDF figures, 970 soldiers have fallen since the start of the war.
