IDF Intercepts Houthi Drone En Route to Eilat

The IDF intercepted a drone near Eilat on Tuesday afternoon, in what appeared to be the first attack on the southern city since ceasefires with Iran and Hezbollah took effect last month.

The military said the drone was “launched from the east” and was intercepted by the Israeli Air Force before reaching the city. The IDF said it was still investigating the drone’s origin, but initial assessments indicated it may have been launched from Yemen.

No sirens sounded in Eilat, the military said, adding that the decision was made “according to protocol.”

The incident marks a renewed threat to Israel’s southern front after several weeks without attacks on Eilat. During the war, the Iran-backed Houthi terrorists in Yemen launched multiple missiles and drones toward Israel, including at Eilat and other southern areas.

The Houthis have repeatedly claimed attacks on Israel since the Hamas-led October 7 massacre, saying their launches were carried out in support of Gaza. Israel has responded at times with strikes on Houthi targets in Yemen, while also relying on air defenses and naval systems to intercept incoming threats over the Red Sea and southern Israel.

Eilat has been a frequent target because of its location near the Red Sea and its distance from Israel’s main population centers. The city has also hosted evacuees from northern and southern Israeli communities during the war, adding to concerns over renewed attacks.

The latest interception comes as Israel continues to monitor several active fronts despite the ceasefires. In the north, Hezbollah has repeatedly violated the truce with drone and rocket attacks, prompting Israeli strikes in southern Lebanon and preparations for a possible expansion of ground operations. In Gaza, Hamas has refused to disarm, while Israeli officials say it is rebuilding civilian control and using humanitarian aid to strengthen its rule.

The suspected Houthi launch also comes amid broader regional uncertainty, as the United States and Iran remain locked in negotiations over ending the war and reopening the Strait of Hormuz. Iran’s regional proxies have remained an important factor in the conflict, even as formal ceasefires have reduced the intensity of fighting on some fronts.

The IDF did not report injuries or damage in the Eilat interception. The military said it would continue investigating the incident and the exact launch point.