Israeli army extends suspension of Atalef drone use — Jerusalem Post
The Israel Defense Forces extended until October 4 the suspension of combat use of Atalef strike drones after two reservists were killed when such a device exploded in the northern Gaza Strip. The Jerusalem Post reports.
Decision after the deaths of servicemen
The commander of Israel's ground forces decided to extend the restrictions after assessing the situation. The military said that on October 4, units would be able to resume using strike drones following an additional assessment of the situation, completion of the necessary measures, and reporting on them.
Atalef drones have been widely used by Israeli forces in various areas since the start of the war. Their use was suspended after the deaths of reserve majors Nadav Kali, 24, from Har Halutz, and Ofek Moalem, 23, from Jerusalem.
Circumstances of the explosion near Beit Hanoun
The reservists were at a position near the city of Beit Hanoun in the northern Gaza Strip and were operating two unmanned aircraft. The first device reached its target, but during the second operation, the drone was launched and then fell inside their position.
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According to KAN News, the device's combat arming mechanism responds to movement, and the charge can be activated by shaking. Army Radio reported that the military switched off the drone's remote control, a step intended to reduce the risk of an explosion. However, when the two reservists approached the fallen device, it exploded for reasons that have not yet been determined.
IDF Chief of the General Staff Eyal Zamir launched an investigation. It is examining the possibility of a technical malfunction, as well as possible interference by Hamas electronic warfare systems. The Israeli military are increasingly leaning toward the version of an operational incident.
Previous incidents involving Atalef
Atalef was developed by the Yiftah unit as a compact system for the military; the first model was prepared for use within three months. The drone weighs about one kilogram, can carry a warhead heavier than the device itself, and reaches speeds of up to 130 km/h.
According to N12, at least seven Atalef drones previously failed to detonate, while in three other cases in 2025 they exploded during inspection by Israeli military personnel. Following investigations, the Yahalom sapper unit issued instructions not to approach or move fallen drones, but to call explosive ordnance disposal specialists.
