A drone launched by Iran-backed Houthi rebels from Yemen hit Israel’s Ramon Airport in the southern city of Eilat on Sunday (September 7), prompting Israel to close its airspace and halt flight operations, according to the military.
The strike came days after Israel carried out an air raid in Yemen’s capital Sana’a that killed the Houthi government’s prime minister and 12 cabinet members. The Houthis had vowed retaliation.
Authorities at Ramon Airport confirmed the drone impact near the Red Sea coastal hub, leading to the suspension of takeoffs and landings. Officials said efforts are underway to restore operations.
Videos circulating on social media showed smoke billowing from the terminal area. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said it is investigating why the drone was not intercepted.
Israel’s ambulance service Magen David Adom reported that two people were initially injured—one by debris and another from shock. Later updates confirmed several additional injuries, with victims receiving medical treatment.
This is not the first Houthi strike on Israeli aviation infrastructure. In May, a missile fired from Yemen landed near Israel’s main airport, injuring four and forcing several airlines to suspend flights for months.
