EILAT, ISRAEL — A drone launched from Yemen has struck the southern Israeli city of Eilat, injuring at least 20 people and opening a dangerous new front in the already volatile Middle East. The strike, claimed by the Iranian-backed Houthi rebels, signals a significant escalation of regional tensions and a direct challenge to Israel’s military dominance, demonstrating a new vulnerability in its advanced air defense systems.
The attack occurred on Wednesday afternoon when the drone, flying a flight path designed to evade radar, successfully penetrated Israel’s multi-layered air defenses. It slammed into the ground near a bustling hotel and shopping district in Eilat, a popular resort city on the Red Sea. Medics from the Magen David Adom rescue service confirmed that at least 20 people were injured by shrapnel, with two in serious condition and others suffering moderate to light wounds.
The Iran-backed Houthi rebels, who control large parts of Yemen, were quick to claim responsibility for the attack, stating it was carried out in solidarity with Palestinians in Gaza. The group has been launching drones and missiles at Israel since the beginning of the war, but the vast majority have either been intercepted by Israeli defenses or landed in open areas. This latest strike, with its high casualty count, marks a significant and worrying development.
Adding to the gravity of the incident, the Israeli military confirmed that a drone launched from Yemen was responsible and that “interception attempts were made.” Local reports, however, were more specific, citing initial investigations that confirmed the Iron Dome air defense system had failed to stop the drone. The failure of the advanced defense system to neutralize the threat has prompted a formal investigation and raised questions about the system’s effectiveness against the low-altitude, long-range drones now being deployed by the Houthis.
The attack drew a swift and angry response from Israeli officials. Defense Minister Israel Katz vowed a response on social media, warning that “anyone who harms Israel will be harmed sevenfold.” The mayor of Eilat, Eli Lankri, called on the government to “strike the Houthis hard” in retaliation. For years, Israel has retaliated for Houthi aggression with targeted airstrikes on military infrastructure in Yemen. But this latest, more damaging strike, suggests a new and more dangerous phase of the conflict has begun, one that underscores the regional nature of the war and the constant threat of a wider confrontation.