Heavy explosion shakes Tel Aviv
Early in the morning, a powerful explosion was heard in Tel Aviv near the US Consulate. The cause is unknown. Israel's Military is investigating the possibility of a drone attack.
In a building in the center of the Israeli metropolis Tel Aviv, there was a heavy explosion. According to the police, numerous policemen and bomb disposal experts are on site. Witnesses reported a loud bang near a US embassy annex. According to media reports, nearby buildings were damaged.
"Haaretz" quotes a high-ranking police officer who said it was still unclear what caused the explosion at 3:15 am (local time). "The explosion apparently occurred at a certain height." They are currently clearing the area. In Israeli media, speculation is rife about the possibility of a drone attack. According to Israel's Military, there are no indications that an enemy aircraft entered Israeli airspace. The possibility of a drone attack is currently being investigated.
Seven people were taken to the hospital with light injuries, reports the "Jerusalem Post" quoting Magen David Adom paramedics. Others suffered shock and were treated on site.
Israel has been at war with the Islamist Palestinian organization Hamas in the Gaza Strip for over nine months and engages in regular fighting with the Lebanese Shiite Hezbollah militia in the border area.
The explosion occurred in Tel Aviv, specifically near the US Consulate, causing a stir in local Politics. Due to the proximity to the US embassy annex and the damage to nearby buildings, accusations of a potential attack have surfaced.
