NYN | News
Eilat Mayor Eli Lankri declared that the city is facing a severe state of emergency following attacks by Sanaa government forces, noting that the city is now considered a “frontline” due to these assaults.
Lankri explained that the essential resources of Eilat, including the port and health services, have suffered significant damage as a result of the attacks and the port’s closure.
Israeli newspaper *Maariv* published a report highlighting the challenges Lankri faces in what it described as the “Houthi threats.” The report mentions missile attacks from Yemen and the naval blockade imposed by Sanaa government forces on ships linked to or heading towards Israel in the Red Sea, which has led to the complete shutdown of Eilat Port.
**Eilat Relies on Tourism and the Port as Main Sources of Revenue**
In statements quoted by the newspaper, Lankri confirmed that “the southern city, home to about 100,000 residents, relies heavily on tourism and the port as its primary sources of income, and these resources have been severely impacted this year.”
Lankri added that “the threat facing the city is as real as it is throughout the country.”
He stated, “Eilat has become an additional frontline, so we must continue to monitor and act according to the instructions of the Home Front Command.”
Lankri pointed out that “Eilat, located far from major health centers, suffers from a severe shortage of health services, particularly medical staff. Although it serves over 100,000 residents in addition to millions of tourists annually, the health services are noticeably suffering from this shortage.”
