A drone strike targeting the southern Israeli resort city of Eilat has left at least 20 people injured, including two who are in serious condition, according to Israeli authorities and emergency services.
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Al Jazeera
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Xinhua News
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What Happened?
The Israeli military says the drone was launched from Yemen and struck a busy area of Eilat, in the Red Sea region.
Al Jazeera
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The city’s emergency medical service, Magen David Adom (MDA), reported that two of the injured suffered serious limb wounds, while others sustained moderate to lighter injuries.
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Witnesses said the drone exploded in the city centre near a hotel and shopping district. Video and images shared on social media show smoke rising from the impact site and damage to nearby buildings.
The Guardian
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Authorities warned people to stay away from debris and the scene, as bomb disposal teams were handling possible explosive remnants.
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Interception Efforts & Failures
Israel’s air defenses attempted to shoot down the drone using the Iron Dome system, but those efforts reportedly failed.
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Military reports say two interceptor missiles were fired but did not stop the drone.
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Israel National News
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One reason cited is that the drone flew at a low altitude, making interception more difficult.
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The Times of Israel
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Officials said that sirens sounded before the strike, giving residents some warning.
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The Israeli Air Force according to local media is investigating the reasons behind the failure to intercept.
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Israel National News
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Who Might Be Responsible?
While no group has officially claimed the attack yet, suspicion has fallen on the Houthi rebels in Yemen, who have in the past launched drone and missile strikes at Israeli territory in solidarity with Palestinians in Gaza.
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The Houthis control large parts of northern Yemen and have in recent years targeted Red Sea shipping and southern Israeli cities.
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Israel has previously responded to Houthi attacks by targeting Houthi-controlled areas in Yemen, especially military and infrastructure sites.
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Impact on Eilat & Broader Tensions
Eilat is a popular tourist destination, with hotels, shops, and seaside attractions. Strikes in this kind of setting raise concerns about the safety of civilians and the vulnerability of recreational areas in conflict zones.
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The Guardian
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This incident comes during rising regional tensions, particularly as war in Gaza continues and cross-border attacks grow in frequency. Escalation risks affecting more cities and possibly drawing in other nations or groups.
What to Watch Next
Official claims: Will the Houthis or another group claim responsibility or deny involvement?
Israel’s retaliation: Whether Israel launches counterstrikes against Houthi targets in Yemen or elsewhere.
Interception changes: Reassessment of Israel’s air defence strategies to better handle low-flying drones.
Civilian impact: How Eilat recovers, how tourism is affected, and how residents respond to continued alerts.
Regional dynamics: Whether other states or international actors step in to mediate or retaliate.
In simple terms: A drone launched from Yemen struck the city of Eilat, injuring about 20 people, including two seriously. Israeli defenses failed to stop it. Though no one has claimed credit yet, many suspect the Houthis. The attack is a reminder that even cities far from war zones can be threatened—and that in modern conflicts, drones are an important and dangerous tool.