Suspected Houthi drone attack kills one, wounds ten in central Tel Aviv; IDF and emergency services respond
A drone attack allegedly carried out by the Yemeni Houthis caused a deadly explosion in Tel Aviv early Friday morning. The explosion, which occurred on Ben Yehuda Street near the US Consulate, resulted in the death of one man and left ten others wounded.
During searches by emergency services, the body of a man in his 50s with shrapnel marks was found in a nearby apartment. Ten individuals sustained minor injuries and were taken to the hospital. Emergency personnel, including police, fire, and rescue services, were deployed to the scene and confirmed there was no fire. The cause of the explosion is still under investigation.
An IDF spokesperson stated that a preliminary investigation suggests the explosion was caused by an aerial target, which did not trigger a warning. According to reports from the Saudi-owned Al-Arabiya/al-Hadath channel, the United States intercepted a ballistic missile and three drones launched by the Houthis, but a fourth drone managed to hit Tel Aviv.
Residents in the vicinity reported that the blast shattered objects in their homes. Following the attack, a leader of Yemen’s Houthis, Hezam al-Asad, posted a message on social media hinting at their involvement. The Houthis’ spokesperson, Yahya Sarie, announced that the group would reveal details about the military operation targeting Tel Aviv.
Magen David Adom reported that a 37-year-old man and a 25-year-old woman were among those slightly injured and were fully conscious upon arrival at Ichilov Hospital. Four others were treated for shock at the scene. MDA Spokesperson Zaki Heller confirmed that emergency services found an unconscious male with penetrating injuries during a search of the area.
The Home Front Command stated that no aerial intrusion into the central area was detected, and therefore no alarm was triggered. The police urged residents to follow the Home Front Command’s instructions and avoid touching remnants of the drones, which might be explosive.
Tel Aviv Mayor Ron Huldai emphasized the city’s heightened alert and readiness for any developments. He called on the public to adhere to government instructions.
The head of the Golan Regional Council, Ori Kallner, and Finance Minister Bezalel Smotritch, both stressed the need for Israel to restore its deterrence capabilities. Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir warned that the attack on Tel Aviv was a consequence of the broader conflict.
The Israeli Police reported receiving hundreds of emergency calls around 3:00 am and quickly mobilized all emergency and rescue forces to the area.
Analysis:
Political Perspective:
This attack represents a significant escalation in the Houthis’ capabilities and their willingness to target Israeli civilians. The involvement of advanced drones suggests increased sophistication in their arsenal, likely backed by external support. This incident could lead to heightened tensions in the region and increased military responses from Israel.
Social Perspective:
The attack has caused fear and anxiety among Tel Aviv residents, highlighting the vulnerability of urban centres to drone strikes. The public’s response and adherence to emergency protocols will be crucial in mitigating panic and ensuring safety in the aftermath.
Economic Perspective:
The economic impact of such attacks can be profound, potentially affecting local businesses and tourism. The government’s response in terms of security measures and public reassurance will play a critical role in stabilizing the economic environment.
