All diplomats, staff safe: Israeli foreign ministry on blast outside its embassy in Delhi

New Delhi, Jan 29: The Israeli foreign ministry on Friday said all its diplomats and embassy staff are "safe and sound" following a blast outside its embassy in New Delhi. A minor IED blast took place outside the Israeli Embassy in the heart of Lutyens' Delhi on Friday evening.

"An explosion occurred a short while ago, close to the Israeli Embassy in New Delhi. There are no casualties and no harm was done to the building. All Israeli diplomats and embassy staff are safe and sound," a foreign ministry release said.

"The event is being investigated by the Indian authorities who are in contact with Israeli officials," it said, adding that the foreign minister is frequently being updated on the situation and has directed to take all necessary precautions. "We will report further developments as they occur," the release said.

Earlier in the day, Delhi Police Additional PRO Anil Mittal said that it was a "very low intensity" blast.

"No injury to any person was reported and nor was there any damage to property except the glass panes of three vehicles parked nearby," he said. Initial impressions suggest it could be a mischievous attempt to create a sensation, Mittal said.