A drone attack claimed by Yemen's Iran-backed Houthi rebels struck near a US embassy branch office in Tel Aviv early Friday, killing a 50-year-old man and injuring several others.

This unprecedented drone strike, which occurred at around 3:12 a.m., has heightened tensions in Tel Aviv and exposed critical vulnerabilities in Israel's defense systems. The Israel Air Force acknowledged failing to shoot down the drone due to human error, while no warning sirens were activated. The Houthis have been increasingly targeting Israeli and U.S. interests, with their spokesperson stating the attack was in support of Palestinians in Gaza. Tel Aviv's Mayor Ron Huldai announced an elevated state of alert in response to the incident.

The drone that struck near the US embassy branch office is believed to have originated from Yemen. The Israeli Air Force suggested that the drone made its way to Tel Aviv due to a series of lapses, including the failure to intercept it. The preliminary investigation conducted by the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) indicates that the attacking drone might have been an Iranian ‘Sammad 3’ weapon, potentially upgraded to increase its flight range.

Houthi rebels quickly claimed responsibility for the attack. Houthi spokesperson Yahya Saree revealed that the drone used in this incident was a new model named 'Yafa'. According to Saree, 'Yafa' drones possess advanced capabilities that enable them to bypass interception systems and remain undetected by radar. Saree asserted that this technological enhancement demonstrates the Houthis' growing arsenal and sophistication in drone warfare.

The Houthis' statement justified the attack as support for the Palestinian people and fighters in Gaza. The Iranian-backed group has historically launched attacks on Israel's southern territories and commercial shipping in the Red Sea, particularly since the escalation of the conflict in Gaza.

Victims of the drone strike included a 50-year-old man who was killed and several others who were injured. Local authorities are still in the process of identifying the injured individuals and assessing the extent of the damage.

The Israel Air Force acknowledged their failure in handling the threat. Human errors were cited as the primary reasons for not shooting down the drone, and the Air Force has taken full responsibility for the oversight. Additionally, the lack of activated warning sirens during the incident has raised concerns about procedural failures in the city's emergency systems.

In light of the attack, Tel Aviv Mayor Ron Huldai confirmed that the city has heightened its alert status. Local law enforcement and emergency services are on high readiness to respond to further threats or potential attacks.

The Houthi insurgency, fueled by backing from Iran, continues to be a significant destabilizing force in the Middle East. Their growing capability to engage in long-distance drone attacks poses a direct threat not only to Israel but also to U.S. interests in the region.

The exact model and source of the drone have been points of interest in the IDF's investigation. The involvement of Iranian technology, if confirmed, would highlight the level of sophistication and external support the Houthis are receiving. This incident also raises questions about regional security and the ability of Israel’s defense systems to adapt to evolving aerial threats.

Early reports indicate that Yemen's Iran-backed Houthi rebels claimed responsibility for the drone attack, stating it was in support of the oppressed Palestinian people and their fighters in Gaza. The Israeli Air Force has committed to making systemic improvements based on lessons learned from this breach.

Tel Aviv's residents have expressed concern over the attack, calling for improved defense measures to ensure such incidents can be prevented in the future. The public is hoping for enhanced security protocols and better coordination among defense forces to safeguard civilian areas, especially those housing critical infrastructure and international offices.