Search Underway for Swimmer Following Rare Shark Attack in Israel

Tue Nov 11 2025 20:56:26 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

Authorities are investigating a rare shark attack off Hadera, northern Israel, as a swimmer remains missing.

A swimmer has gone missing after a rare shark attack near Hadera, northern Israel, witnessed by beachgoers. This incident marks only the fourth documented shark attack since the establishment of Israel in 1948, prompting beach closures and a police search.

A rare shark attack off the coast of northern Israel has left a swimmer missing, prompting a significant search operation. The incident occurred on Monday near Hadera, located approximately 40 kilometers (25 miles) from Tel Aviv, particularly at a spot known for attracting sharks due to warm water discharged by a nearby power plant.

Eyewitnesses at Olga Beach captured the shocking moment on video, where the man could be seen struggling in the water as onlookers shouted in disbelief. "I was in the water, I saw blood and there were screams," stated witness Eliya Motai, recalling the terrifying incident as he stood just a few meters from the shore. He revealed that sharks had been sighted in the area just the day before.

While sharks often congregate near the Orot Rabin power station, especially during this time of year, they are generally not a threat to swimmers. The local species known to frequent the waters include dusky and sanbar sharks, drawn by the attractive environment created by the warm water and the fish population from a nearby stream.

Authorities have since closed the beach as a precaution and initiated a search effort for the missing swimmer. According to YNet, this event marks only the fourth recorded shark attack in Israel's history since its establishment in 1948, making it a shocking occurrence for the local community.