Twenty people were injured on Tuesday after a drone, reportedly launched from Yemen, struck the southern Israeli resort town of Eilat on the Red Sea coast. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) confirmed the incident, saying attempts were made to intercept the unmanned aerial vehicle before it hit its target.
Emergency responders said the injured were evacuated to Yoseftal Hospital. According to the Magen David Adom ambulance service, two victims sustained serious limb injuries, while the others were treated for moderate to light wounds. A helicopter was also dispatched to airlift some of the wounded.
Live Israeli TV footage and videos shared on social media showed the drone descending before an explosion sent smoke billowing above the city. Air raid sirens had sounded moments earlier, warning residents and visitors to seek shelter.
Although Israeli media described the incident as a Houthi attack, the Yemeni rebel group has not officially claimed responsibility. The Houthis, backed by Iran, have repeatedly targeted Israel with missiles and drones since the war in Gaza began, framing their actions as solidarity with Palestinians.
Eilat has been a frequent target in recent months. Just last week, a drone struck near the town’s hotel district, though no casualties were reported. Earlier in September, another drone hit Ramon Airport north of Eilat, leaving one person injured.
This latest attack marks one of the most serious in terms of casualties. In July 2024, a Houthi drone killed one person and injured ten others in Tel Aviv after striking an apartment building near the U.S. embassy branch.
Israel has responded with airstrikes on Houthi-controlled areas in Yemen, including the Red Sea port city of Hudaydah and the capital, Sanaa. The Houthi-run health ministry claims dozens have been killed in these retaliatory strikes.
The escalating cycle of drone attacks and counterstrikes highlights the widening regional impact of the Gaza conflict, drawing in actors far beyond Israel’s immediate borders.
