The Israeli military is investigating a drone strike that hit the arrivals hall at Ramon Airport, located near the Red Sea city of Eilat. The drone was launched from Yemen, prompting the closure of the airport’s airspace on Sunday. While the Israeli Airports Authority did not immediately provide a reason for this closure, the military confirmed that the incident is under review.
The military has reported that earlier in the day, its air force intercepted three drones from Yemen, two of which were successfully intercepted before entering Israeli airspace. The status of the third drone remains unclear. According to the Israeli newspaper Haaretz, which cited rescue services, the drone strike resulted in minor injuries to two individuals: a 63-year-old man wounded by shrapnel and a 52-year-old woman who fell during the incident. Both were evacuated to a hospital in Eilat, while others experiencing panic attacks received on-site medical care.
Details of the Incident and Military Response
Preliminary investigations suggest that the drone was not detected by the Israeli air force’s surveillance systems before the attack. The incident marks a significant escalation in tensions in the region, particularly as the Houthi movement in Yemen has been increasingly targeting Israel with missiles and drones, claiming these actions are supportive of the Palestinians amid ongoing conflict.
The airport, primarily servicing domestic flights, is located close to the borders of Jordan and Egypt. Since the onset of the conflict in Gaza in October 2023, the Houthis have launched numerous attacks, including strikes on vessels in the Red Sea. There has been no immediate response from Houthi officials regarding the drone strike on Ramon Airport.
In retaliation for such attacks, Israel has conducted airstrikes in Houthi-controlled regions of Yemen, including a recent assault on the vital Hodeidah port. This military action reportedly resulted in the deaths of senior Houthi officials, including cabinet members, as well as significant civilian casualties.
Previous Incidents and Broader Context
This latest drone strike is reminiscent of an incident in May, when a Houthi missile struck near Israel’s main airport, Ben Gurion International Airport, injuring four people and leading to widespread flight cancellations to Israel for several months. Israel subsequently targeted and destroyed the main airport in Yemen’s capital, Sanaa, as part of its ongoing military campaign against Houthi forces.
The evolving situation raises concerns about air safety and regional stability as both sides continue to engage in hostilities. As investigations proceed, the implications of this drone strike may extend beyond immediate security concerns, influencing both military strategy and international relations in the region.
