Houthis target Tel Aviv in first direct attack; killing one, injuring 10

Tel Aviv was struck by a drone attack early Friday morning, resulting in the death of at least one “Israeli” and injuries to 10 others, according to “Israeli” media sources. 

The Israeli Public Broadcasting Corporation (IPBC) reported that the drone, loaded with explosives, detonated at the intersection of Shalom Aleichem and Ben Yehuda Streets.

An Israeli Occupation Forces (IOF) spokesperson stated that the attack did not trigger the city’s air raid sirens, and an investigation is currently underway.

Yemen’s Houthi group claimed responsibility for the attack. 

Houthi military spokesman Yahya Saree stated that the drone operation targeted “an important location in the Tel Aviv area.” 

He referred to the drone as a “Jaffa missile,” named after the Palestinian name for Tel Aviv, claiming that it evades radar detection.

Channel 13’s preliminary army report indicated that while the drone was detected, it was not intercepted due to a “human error,” though specific details remain undisclosed. 

Axios reported that the American embassy branch office in Tel Aviv was not damaged and no US citizens were harmed.

This incident marks one of the most severe attacks on Tel Aviv since the escalation of violence on October 7. 

Tel Aviv Mayor Ron Huldai confirmed that the city is on heightened alert after the drone strike. 

This attack is the first time the Houthis have targeted Tel Aviv directly. 

Previously, the group’s attacks were focused on “Israeli”-owned or flagged ships in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden, as well as the port cities of Eilat and Haifa. 

The Houthis have conducted these operations in solidarity with Gaza, which has been subjected to a severe “Israeli” military offensive since October 7.