Israeli defense minister warns Houthi rebels, Iran of consequences over drone attack

By Abdelraouf Arnaout

JERUSALEM (AA) - The Israeli defense minister on Friday warned the Yemeni Houthi group and Iran of consequences following a bomb-laden drone attack on Tel Aviv at dawn, which resulted in one fatality and 10 injuries.

“The security establishment is working to immediately reinforce all defense systems and will hold accountable anyone who harms the State of Israel or directs terrorism against it,” said Yoav Gallant in a statement following an assessment with senior Israeli military officials concerning the drone attack on Tel Aviv.

The Israeli Public Broadcasting Corporation reported that his remarks were directed at Iran and the Houthis.

Early Friday morning, the Houthi group launched a surprise attack, marking the first instance of a bomb-laden drone targeting Tel Aviv.

Through its military spokesman Yahya Saree, the Yemeni Houthi group declared Tel Aviv an "unsafe area" and a "primary target for its weapons."

At least one Israeli was killed and 10 others were injured in the drone attack.

Israeli army spokesman Daniel Hagari said the drone that hit Tel Aviv was an Iranian-made Samad-3 model and it is believed to have been launched from Yemen.

There has been no immediate response from the Iranian side concerning Hagari's claims.

* Writing by Ikram Kouachi