On July 19, 2024, at approximately 03:12 local time (00:12 GMT), a deadly drone attack struck Tel Aviv, Israel, killing one person and injuring at least ten others. The attack, claimed by Yemen’s Iran-backed Houthi rebels, targeted a building near the US Embassy annex on Ben Yehuda Street, causing significant damage to surrounding structures.The Houthis used a new type of drone called ‘Yafa’ or ‘Yaffo’, which they claim can evade Israel’s air defense systems and radar detection. Yahya Saree, the group’s military spokesperson, declared the operation a success and vowed to continue targeting Israel in solidarity with Palestinians in the Gaza Strip.The Israeli military confirmed that the explosion was caused by a ‘very large drone’ carrying explosives, but admitted to a ‘human error’ that prevented the activation of interception and defense systems. This failure has raised serious questions about the effectiveness of Israel’s air defenses, especially as no air raid sirens were activated prior to the attack.In response to the attack, the Israeli Air Force has increased patrols to protect the country’s airspace. The incident marks a significant escalation in the ongoing conflict, as it represents the first successful and deadly attack by the Houthis on Tel Aviv.The attack comes amid heightened tensions in the region, with the Houthis threatening to expand their military operations against Israel. The group, part of the self-proclaimed ‘Axis of Resistance’ led by Iran, has been launching attacks on Israeli targets and international maritime vessels in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden for several months.As international mediators attempt to broker a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas in Gaza, this attack on Tel Aviv could potentially lead to further violence and instability in the region. The Israeli government, led by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, has yet to announce any specific reprisals against the Houthi group.
Key points
- Houthi rebels successfully attacked Tel Aviv with a new type of drone, killing one and injuring at least ten.
- The attack exposed vulnerabilities in Israel’s air defense system, attributed to human error.
- The incident marks a significant escalation in the ongoing Middle East conflict, potentially leading to further instability.
Contradictions👾There are slight discrepancies in the reported number of injuries, ranging from four to ten.
👾Some sources refer to the drone as ‘Yafa’, while others call it ‘Yaffo’.
