Israel Embassy in Delhi confirms blast at close proximity, bomb squad on spot

The Israeli embassy confirmed a blast had taken place near the consulate building on Tuesday evening.

“We can confirm that around 5:20 pm (local time, 1150 GMT) there was a blast at close proximity to the embassy,” Israeli Embassy spokesperson Guy Nir told Reuters, adding that local police and security teams were investigating the incident.

Israel’s foreign ministry said all staff were unharmed following the blast and Israeli authorities were cooperating with their Indian counterparts to look into the cause of the explosion.

We can confirm that around 5:10 pm there was a blast at close proximity to the embassy. Delhi Police and the security team are still investigating the situation: Israel Embassy in New Delhi https://t.co/WB4jy1BmGK

— ANI (@ANI) December 26, 2023

According to a statement from Israel’s Deputy Chief of Mission, Ohad Nakash Kaynar, “There was an explosion this evening after 5 pm in close proximity to the embassy. All our workers are safe, and we are cooperating with the Delhi Police. Our security teams are working with the Delhi Police, and they will investigate the matter further.”

The Delhi Police on Tuesday evening received a call about a blast near the Israel embassy located in the New Delhi district, officials said. According to Delhi Fire Services officials, the call was received at 5.47 pm and was transferred from the PCR (police control room) of the Delhi Police.

VIDEO | Delhi Police teams arrive at the spot after receiving information of an explosion near the Israel Embassy. More details are awaited. pic.twitter.com/FqSjRSW7uB

— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) December 26, 2023

Delhi Fire Service received a call of a blast near the Israel Embassy in the Chanakyapuri area this evening. Police and fire department officials are at the spot and a search operation is underway, they said.

Delhi Fire Service received a call of a blast near the Israel Embassy in the Chanakyapuri area this evening.

“So far nothing has been found at the location,” says Atul Garg, Director, Delhi Fire Services pic.twitter.com/Ipd23kciBS

— ANI (@ANI) December 26, 2023

In January 2021, a small bomb went off near the Israeli embassy in New Delhi, without harming anyone. An Israeli official said at the time that Israel was treating the blast as a terrorist incident.