One dead and several injured in explosion in Tel Aviv, Israeli officials say

A massive explosion rocked the streets of central Tel Aviv early Friday morning. Shrapnel rained down and at least ten people were injured, first responders said.

The Israeli military said it was investigating the explosion and intensifying air patrols following the incident. Initial investigations had shown that the incident was caused by “an aerial target.”

It was not immediately clear how the attack evaded Israeli air defenses or how Israel might respond.

Israel’s emergency services said at least ten people were being treated for injuries, while a 50-year-old man was pronounced dead after the attack.

Based on verified social media footage, CBS News confirmed that the explosion occurred just over 180 meters from the Tel Aviv branch of the U.S. Embassy.

A U.S. official told CBS News there were no reports of American casualties. Several U.S. officials told CBS News the origin of the attack was still being investigated.

The Houthis in Yemen have repeatedly fired drones and rockets at Israel during the nine-month war in sympathy with Hamas. But until Friday, all attacks had been intercepted by either Israel or Western allies with troops stationed in the region.

Israel has so far not attacked the Houthis and has instead allowed its allies to Take the lead while focusing its efforts on the war in Gaza and the ongoing fighting with the militant Lebanese Hezbollah group.