Tel Aviv – Israeli authorities have identified Yevgeny Ferder, a 50-year-old Belarusian immigrant, as the individual killed in a Houthi drone attack that targeted Tel Aviv early Friday morning. The incident marks a significant escalation in the conflict involving Yemen’s Iran-backed Houthi rebels.
Ferder, who had relocated to Israel from Belarus in 1999, was residing and working at Momo’s Hostel, where the attack occurred.
According to Hebrew media reports, Ferder was a former member of the Russian army and an enthusiastic participant in ice hockey and soccer.
After his immigration, he joined the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) and served in a combat unit. He continued his military service as a reservist, a role he maintained until his death.
His niece, Anastasia, spoke to Ynet news, describing Ferder as a dedicated and resilient individual. “He was very much involved in his community, and his service in the IDF was something he took great pride in,” she said. Ferder is survived by Anastasia in Israel and an older sister in Belarus.
The drone, which was laden with explosives, struck Tel Aviv at 3:12 a.m. local time. The unusual flight path of the drone included traversing Egypt and approaching Tel Aviv from the Mediterranean Sea. This trajectory surprised many as it deviated from standard attack routes typically observed in similar incidents.
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) confirmed that air-raid sirens did not activate before the strike, and the drone was not intercepted.
The military attributed this failure to human error, leading to the devastating impact of the attack. Several other individuals were injured in the incident, though the extent of their injuries has not been disclosed.
Authorities are investigating the incident to determine how the drone managed to evade detection and what measures can be implemented to prevent future attacks.
The strike is part of a broader pattern of increasingly sophisticated and unpredictable assaults by the Houthi rebels, who have been involved in a protracted conflict in Yemen with support from Iran.
In the wake of the attack, security measures in Tel Aviv and across Israel have been heightened. The city has witnessed increased patrols and surveillance to mitigate any further risks. Local officials have called for heightened vigilance and solidarity in the face of the ongoing threat.
The Houthi rebels, who have been engaged in a bitter struggle with the Saudi-led coalition, have previously claimed responsibility for various attacks targeting neighboring countries. However, the attack on Tel Aviv represents a significant escalation, reflecting the growing reach and capability of the Houthi forces.
The international community has condemned the attack and expressed solidarity with Israel. Several countries have reiterated their support for Israel’s right to defend itself against such aggressive actions.
As the investigation continues, the residents of Tel Aviv and the broader Israeli public are left grappling with the shock and grief of the attack. For many, the loss of Ferder is a stark reminder of the fragile nature of peace and security in the region.
Ferder’s memory will be honored by those who knew him as a devoted member of his community and a courageous soldier. His untimely death underscores the ongoing challenges faced by Israel in maintaining security amidst escalating regional conflicts.
This article was created using automation technology and was thoroughly edited and fact-checked by one of our editorial staff members