Gunfire and explosions erupted in north Tel Aviv on Monday afternoon, causing widespread panic among residents who feared a terror attack was underway. The HaMashteret neighborhood was gripped by anxiety as families sheltered in place and flooded police hotlines with calls for help.

The alarm subsided only after police clarified that the sounds came from a private security drill involving live fire, which had not been announced to residents or law enforcement in advance. Many locals criticized the lack of notification, calling it negligent, especially given recent traumatic events in the area.

Police stated they were unaware of the drill until residents contacted them, and confirmed that a private company was responsible for the exercise. Authorities are now investigating the incident and reviewing procedures to prevent similar scares in the future.