IDF says it identified fault that led to Houthi drone crash in Eilat yesterday

The IDF says it has identified the issue that caused the Iron Dome to fail to intercept a Houthi drone that struck Eilat yesterday, an attack that wounded over 20.

According to an Israeli Air Force investigation, the drone was detected relatively late, though the Home Front Command still activated sirens to warn civilians of the attack, “according to protocol,” the military says.

Attempts to intercept the drone with the Iron Dome system “were unsuccessful,” the IDF says, adding that “the reason for this was identified and corrective measures were implemented.”

IAF chief Maj. Gen. Tomer Bar, meanwhile, instructed “several additional steps to strengthen readiness, detection, and interception capabilities” in the Eilat area, which will “provide an enhanced defensive response,” the military adds.

The IDF vows to “conduct additional offensive operations” against the Houthis “in the near future,” after today’s strikes in Sanaa. The military says it “remains determined to remove any threat posed to the civilians of the State of Israel, at whatever distance is required.”