On Wednesday evening, just before the close of Rosh Hashanah, a drone attack struck the bustling tourist district of Eilat near the Mall Hayam shopping center, leaving at least 50 people hurt.
Magen David Adom reported that five victims sustained shrapnel wounds, with two listed in serious condition. Several others were treated for trauma and anxiety. All of the injured were transported to Yoseftal Hospital for treatment.
Eilat District Commander, Chief Superintendent Alon Kalfon, arrived to oversee the situation. Police released a statement saying, “We call on residents, city visitors, and tourists to avoid approaching the site and allow police, security, and rescue forces to restore order.”
The Israel Defense Forces launched an inquiry into why the Iron Dome system failed to down the incoming UAV. A defense official said two interceptors were fired at the drone, but its extremely low flight path over the city prevented fighter jets from engaging. According to the source, the Houthis are employing a strategy previously used by Hezbollah — sending drones close to the ground, nearly at cruise missile altitude — making them exceptionally hard to intercept.
In a statement, the IDF reported: “An unmanned aerial vehicle launched from Yemen fell in the Eilat area. Interception attempts were carried out, and rescue forces are operating in the area where the report of the UAV impact was received.” Just last week, another UAV from Yemen detonated near the entrance to the Jacob Hotel in the city.
Following the latest strike, Defense Minister Israel Katz declared: “I wish a full recovery to those injured in the UAV attack in Eilat. The Houthi terrorists refuse to learn from Iran, Lebanon, and Gaza — and they will learn the hard way. Those who harm Israel will be hit sevenfold.”
