Houthi Drone Hits Eilat; Over 20 Injured

A Houthi-launched drone struck the southern Israeli city of Eilat, injuring more than 20 people, including two in serious condition; the seriously wounded were airlifted to Soroka Hospital and others treated at Yoseftal Medical Center. The Iran-backed Houthis said they launched two drones at Eilat (and additional drones at Beersheba), while Israeli authorities say only one hit and the other likely failed to reach Israel. Two Iron Dome interceptors were fired but failed to destroy the drone; an IAF investigation found the UAV was detected relatively late, sirens were sounded per protocol, and the cause of the interception failure has been identified with corrective measures implemented. The IAF commander ordered additional steps to strengthen readiness, detection and interception capabilities around Eilat, and the IDF said it remains determined to remove threats to Israeli civilians and may conduct further offensive operations against the Houthis. Since March 18, the IDF has tallied nearly 90 ballistic missiles and at least 41 drones launched toward Israel attributed to the Houthis.