Israel: Authorities responding to explosion along Ben Yehuda Street in central Tel Aviv as of early July 19 /update 1

Authorities are responding to an explosion near Ben Yehuda and Shalom Aleichem streets in central Tel Aviv as of early July 19. The cause of the blast is not immediately clear; initial reports suggest a car bomb, though unconfirmed witness accounts claim possible debris from a drone at the scene. The explosion has damaged several nearby buildings and vehicles. Reports indicate at least two injuries. No group has claimed responsibility for the incident.

Heightened security and localized business and transport disruptions are likely in the coming hours as security response and investigations continue.