Deadly Drone Attack in Tel Aviv Under Investigation
TEL AVIV, ISRAEL—A drone attack in Tel Aviv on Friday resulted in the death of one man and injuries to at least ten others, sparking an investigation into the incident and potential security oversights.
The drone struck near the U.S. Embassy.
The attack was orchestrated by Yemen’s Houthi rebels, who claimed responsibility, stating it was a retaliation for Israel’s actions in Gaza. Houthi spokesperson Yahya Sare’e declared the use of a new drone type, designed to evade Israeli interception systems, and vowed continued assaults in response to Israeli military actions in Gaza.
This incident marks the first successful drone attack on Tel Aviv, Israel’s economic hub, by the Houthis. Israel Defense Forces (IDF) spokesperson Daniel Hagari identified the drone as an upgraded Iranian-made Samad-3, launched from Yemen.
During the attack, a second drone was intercepted by Israeli forces outside the nation’s eastern borders. Following the incident, the IDF announced enhancements to air defenses and an increase in border aerial patrols.
An Israeli military official disclosed that the drone was detected but not intercepted due to human error, and confirmed it was equipped with a warhead that caused the explosion in an apartment building. Further details on the drone’s payload were not immediately available.
