Next 'October 7' attack could target Eilat, Israel's Shin Bet chief warns

David Zini, the head of Israel's Shin Bet (Israel Security Agency), has warned in closed discussions that the country could face another large-scale attack similar to October 7, with Eilat being a potential target. Zini has instructed senior officials to prioritize a possible attack on the southern city, viewing its isolated geographic location as a significant security vulnerability.

According to reports, Zini foresees a ground invasion into Eilat from its land borders, particularly the Jordanian border, and potentially from its maritime borders. He is directing the agency's intelligence units to focus on this scenario. However, some security officials have expressed doubts about the importance Zini places on this threat and whether there is concrete intelligence indicating a planned attack.

These concerns align with warnings from regional councils about the security of the Eilat line. The article references previous discussions involving Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and the defense establishment regarding preparedness for multiple fronts, including Iran, Yemen, Lebanon, and Gaza. At that time, military sources indicated that while capabilities were being built for each arena, no specific prioritization had been established.

An IDF exercise in January reportedly simulated scenarios involving enemy raids, including Houthi forces attempting to seize outposts, infiltrate a tourist city, take hostages, and carry out killings. This exercise in the sector responsible for parts of southern Israel reflects broader security considerations in the region.