Shin Bet says Eilat faces no concrete threat after alarm over closed-door remarks

Following a Haaretz report that Shin Bet chief David Zini warned in closed-door discussions that “the next October 7 may be in Eilat,” the Shin Bet issued a clarification saying there is no concrete threat to the city. The agency said its remarks reflected broad operational planning and a review of possible threat scenarios across all sectors as part of the lessons learned since the October 7 attack, not a targeted warning or intelligence pointing to an immediate danger.

Eilat city officials and the Eilot Regional Council also moved to calm residents after the publication. Eilat Mayor Eli Lankri said, “As the Shin Bet clarified, there is no concrete information about a new or immediate threat facing the city of Eilat.” He added that “the city and all the security forces protecting it are prepared and ready for any scenario.”

Lankri said that since the October 7 attack, significant lessons have been drawn and the security response in the area has been strengthened, including along the eastern border. But in the Hevel Eilot Regional Council, the tone was more worried. Council head Hanan Ginat said the statements were not surprising and warned about the security sensitivity along the Jordan border.

Ginat said the area is used for smuggling weapons and drugs, and that local defenses must continue to be reinforced to prevent criminal routes from being exploited by terrorist infiltrators.