In a shocking turn of events, central Tel Aviv was rocked by a large explosion in the wee hours of Friday morning. The blast was caused by a drone fired from Yemen, according to Israeli officials, resulting in one casualty and multiple injuries. The Houthi rebels, operating on behalf of Iran, claimed responsibility for the attack, marking a “new phase” in their operations against Israel.
The strike utilized a new drone named ‘Yafa’, boasting the capability to evade interception systems, as declared by the Houthis. The explosion occurred dangerously close to the U.S. consulate in Tel Aviv, although it remains uncertain whether it was the intended target. No U.S. casualties were reported from the incident.
Israeli authorities confirmed that the explosion struck an apartment building in central Tel Aviv, leaving one civilian dead and eight others wounded. The drone, fired from Yemen and upgraded by Iran, managed to bypass Israel’s advanced air defenses, sparking a thorough investigation into the breach.
Israel’s defense forces have faced numerous drone attacks launched from Yemen, with most successfully intercepted. However, this recent incident marked the first direct hit on Israeli soil. Despite ongoing conflicts with Gaza and Hezbollah, Israel continues to prioritize defense against such attacks.
In response to the assault, Israeli Minister of Defense Yoav Gallant pledged to apprehend those responsible and strengthen the country’s defense mechanisms. The aftermath of this brazen act of aggression has undoubtedly raised concerns and highlighted the escalating tensions in the region.
