As tensions rise in the Middle East, the city of Eilat in southern Israel finds itself on high alert, waiting for war to reach its shores. The picturesque port city, known for its beautiful beaches and high-rise hotels, has become a magnet for tourists and immigrants seeking safety from conflict-ridden regions. However, recent events have shattered the sense of tranquility that once enveloped the city.
Eilat, nestled between Jordan and Egypt and just 50km away from Saudi Arabia, has been targeted by Houthi rebels in Yemen. Missiles and drones have been fired across the Red Sea, prompting the Israeli air force to intercept and destroy them before they could hit their targets. This new threat, coupled with the constant danger posed by Hamas attacks from nearby Gaza, has left residents feeling vulnerable and uncertain about their safety.
For Nacham Naim, who moved to Eilat with his family after a surprise attack by Hamas, the city offered a sense of relief from the immediate danger they faced near Gaza. However, the looming threat from Yemen and the increased presence of Hezbollah in Lebanon have cast a shadow of uncertainty over their lives. Naim’s sister, Liat Naim, worries that Israel is now surrounded by hostile actors, making it impossible to find complete safety anywhere in the country. “You can feel it in your gut; this war will last a long time,” she said.
The situation in Eilat is further complicated by its proximity to the bustling city of Aqaba in Jordan, where many of Eilat’s tourism workers come from. The large Jordanian flag is a constant reminder of the delicate balance the city maintains in the midst of regional tensions. While the risk to Eilat may be relatively low compared to other parts of Israel, there is a growing concern that simultaneous attacks from Hezbollah in the north and Yemen in the south could have catastrophic consequences for the country.
The residents of Eilat, both locals and immigrants, live with a constant sense of unease. Hea, who came to Eilat to protect her children from the air raid sirens near the Gaza Strip, expressed her fears, stating, “I am not safe here, as well. You can see, Yemen strikes here, nowhere is safe.” Others, like a white-haired man operating a lift bridge in the city center, acknowledge the current low risk but warn of the potential “catastrophe” if multiple attacks occur simultaneously.
With the Israeli military raising the air raid alert after detecting a suspicious target approaching Israeli territory, the situation in Eilat remains tense. As world leaders grapple with mounting conflicts and regional power struggles, the people of Eilat can only hope for a peaceful resolution, knowing that their city stands at the crossroads of a volatile region.
