London Police Clear Suspicious Items Near Israeli Embassy After Drone Threat

The Metropolitan Police have determined that suspicious items discovered near the Israeli embassy in London's Kensington Gardens were non-hazardous. The security alert followed a social media video claiming an imminent drone attack. Kensington Gardens has since reopened to the public.

The Details

The investigation centered on two jars containing a powdered substance found in the vicinity of the embassy. Specialist officers, including a chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear (CBRN) team, conducted a thorough assessment of the materials. The operation also involved police divers searching near the Round Pond and the use of fire investigation dogs. Following the sweep, police confirmed the substances were not harmful.

The alarm was raised after the Iran-linked group Harakat Ashab al-Yamin al-Islamia (Movement of the Companions of the Right Hand of Islam) posted a video on Thursday night, April 17. The footage featured a target superimposed over the embassy and images of individuals in hazmat suits operating drones, accompanied by claims that the embassy would be targeted with dangerous substances.

Matt Jukes, the deputy commissioner of the Met and head of counter-terrorism, stated in a televised address that while the embassy was not attacked, urgent inquiries were necessary to verify the video's authenticity. The Israeli embassy corroborated this, confirming that all staff remained safe and no breach had occurred.

Kensington Gardens remained closed throughout Friday as police secured the area. Cdr Helen Flanagan of Counter Terrorism Policing London later expressed gratitude to local residents for their cooperation during the disruption. The gardens were officially reopened on Saturday, April 18.

Despite the non-hazardous nature of the items, counter-terrorism police are continuing to investigate the video and the potential connection between the online threats and the discarded jars. At this time, police have not linked this specific incident to other recent attacks.

Context

The incident is the latest in a series of security threats targeting Israeli and Jewish institutions in London. In March 2026, the Jewish volunteer emergency service Hatzola saw ambulances destroyed in an arson attack in Golders Green. Earlier in April, two suspects were arrested for an attempted arson attack on a North London synagogue, and two other men were charged with conducting hostile surveillance of the Israeli embassy on behalf of Iran.

Harakat Ashab al-Yamin al-Islamia has previously claimed responsibility for attacks on Jewish targets across Europe, including incidents in Belgium and the Netherlands. The Israeli government has described the group as a recently founded entity with suspected ties to an Iranian proxy.

Additionally, a man from Kuwait stood trial earlier this month facing accusations of planning a terrorist attack against the Israeli embassy, highlighting a sustained period of heightened security risks for the diplomatic mission.

What's Next

Counter-terrorism investigators are now focusing on the digital footprint of the Harakat Ashab al-Yamin al-Islamia video to determine its origin and whether the discarded items were a deliberate attempt to divert police resources or a failed operation.

Shadow Home Secretary Chris Philp has called on the government to outline further protective measures for Jewish institutions, citing a pattern of relentless intimidation. The Metropolitan Police are expected to maintain a high state of vigilance around the embassy and similar sites as they coordinate with international intelligence agencies to monitor the activities of Iranian proxies in Europe.