Israel Vows Retaliation After Houthi Drone Strikes Tel Aviv

Such is war. Attacks and counterattacks, and the warnings to enemies…

Israel’s defense minister, Yoav Gallant, delivered a grave warning on Friday following a significant drone strike on Tel Aviv by Houthi rebels in Yemen using an Iranian-made drone. Gallant, addressing Israeli media, vowed that Jerusalem would “settle the score” for the attack.

In a detailed statement, Gallant described an urgent operational situation assessment he conducted to evaluate necessary defensive measures and the intelligence and operational activities required to counter those behind the assault. “The year 2024 is marked by war. We must be prepared for every scenario and every arena,” he emphasized, highlighting the heightened state of readiness Israel must maintain.

The drone attack resulted in at least one fatality and injured ten others, raising critical questions about the breach of Israel’s extensive air defense systems. Despite the ongoing conflict with Hamas in Gaza, it’s rare for drones launched from Yemen by Houthi militants to reach Israel, particularly its southern city, Eilat. This incident was alarming as the drone not only breached Israeli borders but also traversed over half the country, evading numerous aerial defenses before striking Tel Aviv.

Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari, a spokesperson for the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), admitted an “error” had occurred. Although the drone was detected, it was not intercepted, which allowed the attack to proceed. Hagari assured that the entire chain of events leading to the failure is under investigation, acknowledging it as a “human error.”

Despite this lapse, Hagari stressed Israel’s commitment to safeguarding its citizens and borders. He underscored the ongoing threat posed by Iran, which he accused of funding, arming, and directing its terror proxies, including the Houthis, to carry out attacks against Israel and other nations. “We will not allow Iran and its proxies to terrorize our civilians,” Hagari stated firmly.

In response to the attack, Gallant confirmed that Israel is taking immediate steps to bolster all defense mechanisms. He pledged that those responsible for harming the State of Israel would be brought to justice, reflecting a stern stance on national security and retaliation against aggressors.

Major Points:

  • Israel’s defense minister, Yoav Gallant, vowed retaliation after an Iranian-made drone launched by Houthi rebels in Yemen struck Tel Aviv.
  • Gallant conducted an urgent operational assessment to enhance Israel’s defense measures and address the attack’s implications.
  • The drone strike killed at least one person and injured ten, raising concerns about the breach of Israel’s significant air defenses.
  • Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari acknowledged a failure in the defense system, stating the drone was detected but not intercepted, attributing it to “human error.”
  • Israel is intensifying efforts to reinforce its defense mechanisms and holds Iran responsible for funding and directing the attack through its terror proxies.

Kirk Volo – Reprinted with permission of Whatfinger News

Leave a Comment