Netanyahu vows “painful blow” against Houthis as drone strike shakes Eilat and exposes Iron Dome’s weakness

Yeni Yemen - Political Editor
2025-09-26 08:13 م
18

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu warned on Wednesday evening that any Houthi attack on Israeli cities would be met with a “harsh and painful strike.” His remarks came after a drone crashed into the southern city of Eilat.

In a statement, Netanyahu’s office said he spoke with Eilat Mayor Eli Lankri, stressing resilience among residents. “Any attack on Israeli cities will face a decisive response, as proven in previous operations against the Houthis,” Netanyahu said.

The statement added that Netanyahu discussed with senior military officials ways to reinforce air defenses in light of the Houthis’ escalating drone attacks.

Meanwhile, the Houthis announced they had carried out a “qualitative military operation” against Israeli targets in Eilat using two drones, claiming success and confirming that Israel’s air defenses failed to intercept them. According to their spokesman, this was the second such attack within 24 hours, following strikes on Umm al-Rashrash and Be’er Sheva.

Israel’s Magen David Adom emergency service reported 23 injuries, including two in serious condition, one moderate, and 17 minor. Israeli media also reported at least one fatality.

The Israeli military acknowledged it had launched an investigation into the failure of the Iron Dome system to intercept the drone, noting it was flying at very low altitude, making detection and interception difficult. Analysts said the Houthis have increasingly used this tactic in recent attacks.

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