Shin Bet chief warns of surprise attack threat to Eilat

Shin Bet chief David Zini has warned in closed discussions that the next surprise attack on Israel could target Eilat, according to Haaretz. He reportedly views the southern resort city as a security weak point because of its isolated location and its proximity to land and sea borders.

In internal and external Shin Bet meetings, Zini has reportedly cautioned about a scenario in which fighters would invade the city by land, mainly from the Jordan border, and possibly also from maritime directions. Sources cited by Haaretz said he has directed the agency's intelligence units to focus on the possibility of an attack on Eilat.

According to the security sources, Zini believes such an operation would begin with a coordinated ground incursion and could involve several terrorist organizations, including the Houthis. A few weeks ago, he made a secret visit to Eilat with other Shin Bet officials and met local security personnel, where he again raised the possibility of a ground invasion.

The report also quoted sharp criticism from a security official, who said, "In the security establishment, no one knows what intelligence he is relying on." The official claimed that some inside Shin Bet see the scenario as a theory not based on clear intelligence, and that Zini has been "obsessed with Eilat" almost since taking office. Shin Bet declined to comment and told Haaretz, "We do not address what is said in closed discussions."