ALBAWABA- On October 7, 2025—the second anniversary of the Hamas-led attacks on Israel—the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) intercepted four drones launched by Yemen’s Houthis toward the southern resort city of Eilat, intensifying concerns over escalating regional threats.
The interceptions occurred within one hour, triggering air-raid sirens across Eilat and prompting residents to take shelter.
Footage circulating on social media showed drones flying over Eilat moments before interception, as residents rushed to shelters amid the blaring sirens.
According to the IDF, no injuries or damage were reported; one drone was downed outside Israel’s borders, while the rest were neutralized by air defenses.
The Iran-backed Houthis claimed responsibility for the attack, saying it was carried out in solidarity with Palestinians in Gaza.
The group has repeatedly targeted the Red Sea port city, a vital commercial and tourist hub, despite Israeli retaliatory strikes and heightened air defense readiness.
Recent weeks have seen a sharp escalation in Houthi assaults on Eilat. On September 24, an explosive drone struck a shopping area near a hotel, injuring over 20 people, including two seriously.
Six days earlier, on September 18, another drone hit a hotel entrance, causing material damage but no casualties.
Security analysts warn that the frequency and precision of Houthi attacks have begun to strain Israel’s southern defense systems, exposing vulnerabilities in air defense protocols and disrupting Red Sea maritime traffic.
