11:24AM IL: There was an attempted attack in the US Embassy on HaYarkon Street in Tel Aviv a short time ago. The incident appears to have involved a perpetrator who was armed with an axe.

A security agent discharged his weapon. A search is on for the perpetrator. The security official is being treated for a light leg injury.

For additional information, see the link and following posting that begins at 11:09AM.

UPDATE FROM AP: An Israeli man wielding an ax and a knife attacked and lightly wounded an Israeli security guard at the U.S. Embassy in Tel Aviv on Tuesday before he was apprehended at the scene, police said.

The man, in his early 40s, attacked the guard outside the embassy gates, police spokesman Micky Rosenfeld said. He said the man’s motive was unknown, but political motives were not suspected and the incident had nothing to do with Israel’s battle with Hamas militants in the Gaza Strip.

U.S. Embassy spokesman Geoff Anisman said the “situation in under control.”

Security was increased after the attack, and the suspect was being questioned, Rosenfeld said.

The beachfront embassy is one of the most secure locations in Israel, guarded around the clock by teams of Israeli and American security guards.