A drone strike near the US embassy in Tel Aviv has killed at least one person and injured 10. The attack, carried out by Houthi rebels in Yemen, has raised questions about the effectiveness of Israel's air defense systems.
**Tel Aviv, Israel** - A drone strike near the US embassy in Tel Aviv on Friday has killed at least one person and injured 10. The attack, carried out by Houthi rebels in Yemen, has raised questions about the effectiveness of Israel's air defense systems.
Drone Attack near Tel Aviv Raises Questions About Israel's Air Defenses
The drone was able to cross Israeli borders and avoid a series of aerial defenses as it traveled over more than half the length of the country before hitting Tel Aviv.
Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari, a spokesperson for the Israel Defense Forces, said an error had occurred and though the unmanned aerial vehicle was detected, "there was no interception" to stop the attack.
Drone Attack near Tel Aviv Raises Questions About Israel's Air Defenses
"We are investigating the entire chain," he said.
Another military spokesperson told The Associated Press the incident was a "human error."
Drone Attack near Tel Aviv Raises Questions About Israel's Air Defenses
Israeli Minister of Defense Yoav Gallant said Israel was working to "reinforce all defense mechanisms and will bring to justice anyone who harms the State of Israel."
The attack has prompted questions about how it could have hit Tel Aviv given Israel's significant air defenses. Despite the precarious security situation Israel has found itself in during its war in Gaza against Hamas, few drones launched by Houthi militants in Yemen have even been able to make contact with Israel's most southern city on the Red Sea, Eilat, which is some 160 miles south of Tel Aviv.
Drone Attack near Tel Aviv Raises Questions About Israel's Air Defenses
The strike Friday morning meant the drone was able to successfully cross Israeli borders and avoid a series of aerial defenses as it traveled over more than half the length of the country before hitting Tel Aviv.
Hagari said Israel was "investigating the entire chain" of events that led to the attack.
"We will continue to do everything we can to protect Israel’s people and borders," Hagari said.
The attack comes amid heightened tensions between Israel and Iran, which has been accused of funding, arming, and directing the Houthi rebels.
Gallant said Israel would "settle the score" with those responsible for the attack.
"The year 2024 is marked by war. We must be prepared for every scenario and every arena," Gallant said.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
