Eilat Counterterror Unit Boosts Readiness Amid Rising Regional Threats

Facing increasing threats from Yemen, Iran, and Jordan, the Eilat counterterrorism unit (LOTAR) has heightened its alert status. As the summer tourist season peaks with record visitor numbers, the city of Eilat confronts unprecedented security challenges due to its unique border location. Overlooking Egypt, Jordan, and Saudi Arabia, Eilat is surrounded by Jordan to the east, Egypt to the west, and the Red Sea to the south. Its remote position, two hours from the nearest city via only two main roads, adds to its complex security environment.

The LOTAR unit, responsible for immediate response across the southern triangle, operates 24/7 from Eilat, a national symbol and Israel’s southern gateway. The unit is composed entirely of reservists living locally and working in various civilian professions. Upon activation, these reservists instantly shift from their daily routines to full combat readiness.

Training scenarios include kidnappings, hostage situations, and terrorist infiltrations from land, sea, or any direction. Given that the first hotel is only meters from the border fence, fighters must know every alley, public building, mall, and emergency exit to respond swiftly and decisively. Training occurs inside actual structures such as hotels, kibbutzim, dining halls, kindergartens, and schools, sometimes at night in their children’s schools, highlighting the close integration of their civilian and military lives.

One soldier described the abrupt transition from civilian work to combat mode: "You’re working and suddenly you get called up, and everything stops immediately. Every soldier has a switch that turns them into a fighter. Our response is very fast and very forceful."