On July 19, 2024, at approximately 3:00 AM local time, Yemen’s Iran-backed Houthi rebels successfully launched a deadly drone attack on Tel Aviv, Israel, killing one person and injuring at least 10 others. The attack, using an Iranian-made Samad-3 drone, targeted a building near the US Embassy annex in central Tel Aviv, causing significant damage to surrounding structures.The strike marks a significant escalation in the ongoing conflict, as it represents the first lethal attack by the Houthis on Israeli soil. The drone, which the Houthis claim is a new type called ‘Jaffa’ or ‘Yaffo’, was able to evade Israel’s sophisticated air defense systems due to what Israeli military officials described as a ‘human error’.Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant has vowed to make the Houthis ‘pay the price’ for the attack, with Israel now considering military action in Yemen. The incident has raised serious concerns about the potential expansion of the Israel-Hamas conflict in Gaza into a wider regional war.The Houthi military spokesperson, Yahya Saree, claimed responsibility for the attack, stating it was carried out in solidarity with Palestinians in Gaza and threatening further strikes against Israel. This attack comes amid ongoing tensions in the region, including recent Israeli operations against Hezbollah in southern Lebanon.In response to the attack, Israel has increased its air patrols to protect its airspace, and Tel Aviv has heightened its security measures. The incident has also sparked criticism from the Israeli opposition, with some calling for the government to resign.As international mediators continue efforts to broker a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas in Gaza, this attack on Tel Aviv could potentially lead to further escalation and instability in the region. The situation remains tense as the international community watches closely for Israel’s next move in response to this unprecedented attack.
Key points
- Houthi rebels launched a deadly drone attack on Tel Aviv, killing one and injuring at least 10.
- The attack marks the first lethal strike by Houthis on Israeli soil, evading air defenses due to ‘human error’.
- Israel is considering military action in Yemen in response, raising concerns of regional conflict escalation.
Contradictions👾Some sources report 10 injured, while others mention 4 or 8 injuries, indicating some discrepancy in casualty figures.
👾There are conflicting reports on whether the drone exploded in the air or directly struck buildings.
