At least 15 people were killed and more than 30 injured by a suicide bomber at the entrance to a Tel Aviv nightclub tonight in the worst attack against Israelis since a Palestinian uprising erupted eight months ago, Israeli police reported.
Witnesses said the explosion occurred at the entrance to a nightclub filled with teenagers on the city's seafront promenade, a popular entertainment area of discos and cafes filled with weekend revelers.
"A man with explosives on him blew himself up at the entrance to the club and cause many casualties," Tel Aviv police chief Mr Yossi Setbon said.
Asked if a report of 15 dead was correct, he said: "That is the number at this hour...We are talking about dozens of casualties."
Israel Radio said dozens of people had been taking to hospital, many in serious condition.
A radio reporter on the scene described puddles of blood along the sidewalk.
"I can see dead people, and many wounded people. It's a big mess," a witness told Reuters.
A witness said: "I entered a nightclub and suddenly there was a flash and a boom that threw me backward."
Police were trying to evacuate the area after the blast in case there were other explosives in the area.
Islamic militant suicide bombers have launched a series of attacks against Israeli targets in recent weeks, killing and wounding scores of military personnel and civilians.
There was no immediate claim of responsibility.