Israel Vows Retaliation After Houthi Drone Attack on Tel Aviv
Israel’s defense minister issued a strong warning on Friday following a drone attack in Tel Aviv, stating that Israel would “settle the score” after the Iranian-made drone, launched by Houthi militants, struck the city.
“I held an operational situation assessment this morning to review the steps required to strengthen our defense arrays in light of events overnight, as well as the intelligence and operational activities required against those responsible for the attack,” Israeli Minister of Defense Yoav Gallant said in a statement.
“The year 2024 is marked by war. We must be prepared for every scenario and every arena.”
The attack, which killed at least one person and injured 10, has raised questions about how the drone was able to reach Tel Aviv given Israel’s robust air defenses.
Despite the ongoing conflict in Gaza with Hamas, few drones launched by Houthi militants in Yemen have even been able to reach Eilat, Israel’s southernmost city on the Red Sea, which is located about 160 miles south of Tel Aviv.
The strike on Friday morning indicated that the drone successfully crossed Israeli borders and evaded a series of aerial defenses while traveling over more than half the length of the country before reaching Tel Aviv.
Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari, a spokesperson for the Israel Defense Forces, said an “error” had occurred and, although the drone was detected, “there was no interception” to stop the attack.
“We are investigating the entire chain,” he said.
Another military spokesperson told The Associated Press the incident was a “human error.”
“We will continue to do everything we can to protect Israel’s people and borders,” Hagari said. “Iran is funding, arming and supporting in their attacks on Israel and the wider world. We will not allow Iran and its proxies to terrorize our civilians.”
Gallant said Israel was working to “reinforce all defense mechanisms and will bring to justice anyone who harms the State of Israel.”