The Israeli military is currently investigating a drone strike that hit the arrivals hall at Ramon Airport, located near the coastal city of Eilat. The drone was reportedly launched from Yemen, prompting the closure of airspace above the airport, as announced by the Israel Airports Authority on Sunday. While the military confirmed the incident, it did not disclose the extent of the damage or clarify whether the drone was intercepted before the crash.
Earlier reports indicated that the air force had successfully intercepted three drones originating from Yemen, with two intercepted prior to entering Israeli airspace. The status of the third drone remains unclear. According to the Israeli newspaper Haaretz, two individuals suffered minor injuries due to the drone strike: a 63-year-old man sustained shrapnel wounds, while a 52-year-old woman was injured during the evacuation process. Emergency services transported both to a hospital in Eilat, and additional medical assistance was provided to others experiencing panic attacks at the scene.
Investigation and Context of the Attack
Initial findings from the Israeli Army Radio suggest that the drone may not have been detected by the military’s surveillance systems prior to the attack. Ramon Airport primarily handles domestic flights and is situated near the borders of Jordan and Egypt. The Houthis, a group based in Yemen, have been known to launch missiles and drones toward Israel as part of their stated support for the Palestinian cause, particularly in light of the ongoing conflict in Gaza.
Since the escalation of hostilities in October 2023, the Houthis have also targeted maritime vessels in the Red Sea. There has been no immediate response from the Houthis regarding the attack on Ramon Airport. Previous incidents have seen Israel conducting airstrikes on Houthi-controlled regions in Yemen, including a recent operation that resulted in the deaths of high-ranking Houthi officials, including their prime minister.
The ongoing military actions have raised significant concerns regarding civilian casualties in Yemen, with many innocent lives lost in Israeli airstrikes. Notably, in May, a Houthi missile struck near Ben Gurion International Airport in Tel Aviv, injuring four people and causing widespread disruption to air travel.
As the situation continues to evolve, the Israeli military remains focused on assessing the implications of this drone strike. The international community watches closely, given the potential for further escalation in an already volatile region.
