Maariv: Eilat Under Security Scrutiny… Shin Bet Warns of a Yemeni Surprise Similar to October 7
Israeli security warnings about a potential land and sea landing scenario via the Red Sea, amid assessments that Sanaa possesses growing capabilities that threaten Israel’s southern front.
NYN | Reports and Analyses
Warnings of a “New October 7” in Eilat
The Hebrew newspaper Maariv has revealed growing concerns within the Israeli security establishment over the possibility that the occupied city of Umm al-Rashrash (Eilat) could face a surprise attack similar to the October 7 operation, amid the expansion of Yemeni military capabilities and the widening scope of threats coming through the Red Sea.
The newspaper quoted the head of Israel’s General Security Service (Shin Bet), David Zini, during closed security sessions, warning of what he described as a scenario of “the next October 7 in Eilat,” noting that the city faces security challenges that could make it vulnerable to sudden attacks arriving by sea or land.
Eilat: A Strategic Weak Point
According to the report, Israeli security agencies consider Eilat’s geographic location one of its most significant vulnerabilities, due to its distance from the center of the state, its relatively open borders, and its coastal position overlooking the Gulf of Aqaba. These factors increase the complexity of defending it in the event of a multi-front attack.
The newspaper added that these assessments have led Israeli military leadership to consider reinforcing troop deployments and raising defensive readiness in the southern front in anticipation of potential sudden developments.
Israeli Assessments of Yemeni Capabilities
Maariv noted that Israeli security assessments rank the Yemeni armed forces among the key actors capable of carrying out significant operations against Israeli targets, citing what it describes as the development of operational capabilities and accumulated experience in missiles, drones, and maritime operations.
The report also pointed to Israeli concerns that any military move via the Red Sea could coincide with infiltration or disruption attempts on other fronts, placing heavy pressure on Israel’s defense systems.
Military Preparations and Intensive Exercises
According to the Hebrew newspaper, Israeli security agencies are closely monitoring what they describe as intensive military drills conducted by Yemeni forces, viewing them as evidence of continued readiness to confront Israel and develop diverse military options within the framework of the escalating regional conflict.
These warnings come amid rapid developments on the Red Sea front, alongside growing concern within Israeli circles over the expanding scope and diversity of regional threats.
