An Iranian-manufactured Samad-3 drone launched by Houthi forces evaded Israeli defenses and struck a buidling in Tel Aviv—a few yards away from a U.S. Embassy office. The attack left approximately ten people injured and caused one fatality—a Belarusian immigrant named Yevgeny Ferder, who was killed by shrapnel in the hotel where he worked and lived.
19 July 2024
Rear Adm. Daniel Hagari, an Israel Defense Forces spokesperson, stated that an initial inquiry had determined “human error caused the interception and defense systems not to be operated.” Although the Samad-3 had been modified to have a longer operational range, Hagari refuted claims by the Houthi group that the drone was "a new drone capable of evading countermeasures."
The Houthis said the attack was a response to Israeli “massacres” in Gaza, and promised to continue targeting Tel Aviv with future drone strikes.
Samad-3 drone in flight.
While Tel Aviv residents are quite used to air-raid sirens and cell phone alerts to seek safety in the city's shelters, this attack came without warning.
At press time, it was unclear if the increased-range Samad-3 "got lucky" in evading defenses, or whether it was an upgraded version with jamming systems.
“The security system is working to immediately strengthen all defense systems, and will come to account with anyone who harms the State of Israel or sends terror against it,” said Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant.
Watch Drone Attack (CBS News)
