Yemen Drone Attack Injures 20 in Israel's Eilat Resort

Sat Oct 18 2025 00:46:06 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)

A drone launched from Yemen has struck Eilat, Israel, injuring at least 20 people—a significant escalation in conflict involving the Iranian-backed Houthis.

In a striking escalation of hostilities, a drone launched from Yemen hit the southern Israeli resort town of Eilat, injuring at least 20 individuals, some severely. The Iranian-backed Houthi group has claimed responsibility, marking one of the most serious drone attacks aimed at Israel amid rising tensions in the region. As emergency services responded, the Israeli military confirmed the attack while local leaders condemned the assault, vowing a retribution against the aggressors.

At least 20 people have been injured in southern Israel after a drone, reportedly launched from Yemen, targeted the resort town of Eilat. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) stated that the drone strike prompted immediate emergency responses, with the Magen David Adom service transporting individuals—including two with serious injuries—to the local Yoseftal Hospital.

The Iranian-backed Houthi group has claimed responsibility for the drone strike. Houthi spokesman Yahya Sarea asserted that two drones successfully hit “Israeli enemy targets,” showcasing their operational reach.

Live footage broadcast by Israeli media revealed smoke billowing from the strike zone, as eyewitness accounts corroborated the chaos following the attack. Social media clips verified by the BBC displayed a drone descending towards Eilat, followed by scenes of immediate panic as civilians fled the area.

The IDF confirmed that troops along with police were dispatched to Eilat's vicinity to assist in evacuation efforts while a helicopter was deployed to transport the injured from the scene. Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz extended wishes for a swift recovery to those affected, warning that the hostile factions targeting Israel would face severe repercussions.

This incident marks a serious escalation in hostilities, particularly as it follows other recent aerial attacks by the Houthi group, including a July 2024 incident that resulted in casualties in Tel Aviv. Last week, a drone strike targeted Eilat’s hotel area but without reported injuries, indicating a troubling trend in aerial threats to the popular tourist destination. As conflicts intensify, the Houthi's actions are framed as gestures of solidarity with Palestinian groups amid ongoing tensions in the region.