The Iran-backed Houthi Militia’s Drone Attack in Tel Aviv
The Iran-backed Houthi militia claimed responsibility for a rare drone attack in central Tel Aviv. The incident occurred early Friday, with a drone crashing into a building near the United States Embassy branch office. This attack resulted in at least one fatality and eight individuals sustaining injuries.
Rear Adm. Daniel Hagari, the Israeli military spokesman, revealed that Israel’s defense systems detected the drone but failed to identify it as a threat. No air-raid sirens were activated to alert civilians, despite Israel’s robust aerial defense system. Admiral Hagari stated that an investigation is underway to determine the lapse in identifying, engaging, and intercepting the drone.
The Israeli military reported that the drone likely originated from Yemen, the base of the Houthi militia, and approached Tel Aviv from the coast. Video footage confirmed by The New York Times captured an unmanned aerial vehicle approaching the west of Tel Aviv, followed by an explosion at the impact site.
Both sides provided conflicting information regarding the drone used in the attack. A Houthi spokesman, Nasruddin Amer, referred to the drone as “Yaffa,” emphasizing its Yemeni origin and advanced technology to evade detection. However, Admiral Hagari identified the drone as a Samad-3, an Iranian model modified for long-distance flight, denying any stealth capabilities enabling it to evade Israeli surveillance.
According to Mr. Amer, the attack was in response to the escalation of violence against Palestinians in Gaza. The Houthi militia declared that their assaults would cease only when the conflict in Gaza concludes, and Israel lifts its blockade on the enclave. While Iran was reportedly not directly involved in planning the attack, the Houthis informed Iranian authorities post the incident.
