Swimmer remains missing after shark attack in "Israel"

Authorities in "Israel" have launched an urgent search operation after a swimmer went missing on Monday following what officials say is an extremely rare shark attack near the city of Hadera.

The incident occurred off Olga Beach, around 40km north of Tel Aviv. Video footage shared on social media captured beachgoers shouting in panic as a man appeared to struggle in the water several hundred feet from shore.

“I was in the water, I saw blood and there were screams,” eyewitness Eliya Motai told the "Israeli" news outlet Yedioth Ahronoth. “I was a few meters from shore. It’s terrifying. We were here yesterday and saw the sharks circling us.”

Sharks are known to frequent the area, particularly during this season, due to the warm water discharge from the nearby Orot Rabin power station — "Israel’s" largest. The warmer temperatures and an influx of fish from a local stream create favorable conditions for dusky and sandbar sharks, which are often spotted swimming close to shore. Despite their presence, they are not typically considered a threat to humans.

Monday’s event marks a highly unusual occurrence in "Israeli" waters. According to Yedioth Ahronoth, only three other shark attacks have been officially documented in "Israel's" history.

In response to the incident, police have closed the beach and are continuing their efforts to locate the missing swimmer.