— Jewish News Syndicate (@JNS_org)
April 21, 2025
According to the report, the same shark – around six feet in length – was responsible for attacking a swimmer in the deeper waters.
JNS also reported that several dusky sharks had been seen in the area in recent weeks, believed to have been drawn by the seasonal warming of the sea and the resulting die-off shallow water fish.
Eyewitnesses recalled seeing blood in the water and hearing the victim screaming for help, before they were dragged further out to sea.
Following the reports, the Interior Ministry told the Hefer Valley Regional Council, whose jurisdiction covers an area adjacent to Hadera in the north to Netanya in the south, to close all beaches to the public.
Israel’s Magen David Adom emergency response service confirmed it received a report of a man being bitten by a shark in the area.
“Medics and paramedics are currently searching the area,” MDA said. “At this stage, the reportedly injured person has not yet been located.”
Channel 12 News reported that the shark also attacked a rescue diver.
And, according to Ynet, equipment was found on the beach that authorities now believe belonged to the missing swimmer.
The Israel Nature and Parks Authority noted that the reported shark attack took place in an area that is prohibited for swimming.
“The Authority reiterates its warning against interacting with sharks and once again calls on the public to avoid approaching them, as they are protected animals,” the state body said.
Shark attacks are extremely rare in Israel. In 2013, an attack occurred after a shark got trapped inside a fish cage and bit when people tried to remove it.
Before that, the only recorded incident was during the British Mandate period, when a police officer was attacked off Tel Aviv’s coast.
