Houthis Target Israeli Resort City: UAV Strike Injures 20 in Eilat Tourist Hub During Rosh Hashanah

A low-flying Houthi drone evaded Israel’s Iron Dome and struck central Eilat, wounding over 20 civilians near the city’s main shopping district as holiday celebrations ended.

Eilat, Israel — A Houthi-launched UAV from Yemen struck Israel’s southern resort city of Eilat on Wednesday evening (September 24), injuring more than 20 people in the bustling tourist center near the popular Mall Hayam just as Rosh Hashanah ended.

Emergency responders said at least five victims were wounded by shrapnel, two of them in serious condition, while others were treated for shock and trauma. All were evacuated to Yoseftal Hospital.

Police urged locals and visitors to avoid the site as forces worked to secure the area. Eilat District Commander, Chief Superintendent Alon Kalfon, held an immediate situational assessment on location.

Failed Interception Raises Alarm

The IDF confirmed the UAV originated from Yemen and attempted multiple interceptions. Two Iron Dome interceptors were launched, but the drone flew at an exceptionally low altitude, making it nearly impossible for fighter jets to engage.

Security officials said the Houthis appear to be copying Hezbollah’s tactic of sending drones at “cruise missile height,” deliberately exploiting Israel’s layered defense systems.

An IDF statement read: “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 UAV impact was received.”

Escalation in Eilat

This is the second drone strike on Eilat in a week. Just days ago, another UAV exploded near the Jacob Hotel, narrowly avoiding mass casualties.

Eilat, known as Israel’s Red Sea tourist jewel, has become a symbolic target for Iranian-backed proxies, aiming to disrupt civilian life, tourism, and Israel’s economy while testing the limits of the nation’s air defenses.

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