Yemen’s Houthi rebels claimed responsibility on Friday for a deadly drone explosion in Tel Aviv, marking the Iranian proxy group’s latest attack in response to Israel’s ongoing conflict with Hamas in Gaza. The blast, which occurred in a central district housing several diplomatic missions, including a branch office of the US Embassy, resulted in the death of a 50-year-old man and injured at least ten others, according to Israeli emergency officials and police.
Houthi spokesperson Yahya Sare’e described the incident as a “significant military operation,” carried out using a new drone model capable of evading enemy interception systems. “We will continue to strike these targets in response to the enemy’s massacres and daily crimes against our brothers in the Gaza Strip,” Sare’e stated. “Our operations will only cease when the aggression stops and the siege on the Palestinian people in the Gaza Strip is lifted.”
An Israeli military official acknowledged that the drone, armed with a warhead, was detected by Israel’s aerial defense system but was not intercepted due to “human error.” The drone subsequently crashed into an apartment building. The military is investigating the incident but does not currently believe there are imminent further threats. The official did not confirm whether the drone was definitively launched by the Houthis.
Initial inquiries indicated that no sirens were activated during the incident. In response, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) have increased air patrols. The explosion took place approximately 100 meters (330 feet) from the US Embassy branch office compound, according to a CNN analysis of satellite imagery. The US State Department reported no damage to the diplomatic mission and no injuries among US personnel or local staff.
“We are in close contact with Israeli authorities to fully investigate the source of the explosion and its intended target,” a US State Department spokesperson said, adding that the embassy in Jerusalem and the branch in Tel Aviv are ready to provide consular assistance to US citizens.
Emergency crews responded to the explosion on Shalom Aleichem Street, where the deceased man suffered penetrating injuries, as reported by Magen David Adom (MDA) emergency service. At least four of the injured sustained shrapnel wounds. Israeli police have urged local residents to avoid touching any rocket remnants due to potential explosives.
Following the incident, large police forces arrived at the scene to secure the area and search for additional threats. The Israeli Police spokesperson’s unit stated, “We urge the public to avoid the area while we conduct our operations and ensure safety.”