Israel Strikes Syria after Drone Hits Southern Eilat City

Israel strikes Syria after drone hits southern Eilat city - Israeli military
Israel strikes Syria after drone hits southern Eilat city - Israeli military
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Israel Strikes Syria after Drone Hits Southern Eilat City

Israel strikes Syria after drone hits southern Eilat city - Israeli military
Israel strikes Syria after drone hits southern Eilat city - Israeli military

Israel's military said an organization in Syria launched a drone that hit a school in the southern Israeli city of Eilat earlier this week and that it struck the group in response.

The military did not say what organization in Syria had launched the drone toward Eilat, on the Red Sea approximately 400 kms (250 miles) from the nearest point in Syrian territory.

But it said in a statement it holds Syria's government fully responsible "for any terror activity emanating from its territory." There were no reports of injuries from the drone strike, which caused light damage.

The drone incident adds to a spate of attacks directed from the region since the Oct. 7 outbreak of Israeli fighting with Gaza's Hamas militants.

Israel's military said its "Arrow" air defense system intercepted a missile launched at Israeli territory near the Red Sea, and that its Patriot defence system had intercepted a "suspicious target" in the southern Negev desert.

Israel's military did not attribute blame for the missile launch or the target intercepted in the Negev.

Israel has boosted its naval presence in the Red Sea to better protect its southern shores, while the United States also has a significant amount of naval power in the region.

Eilat is the Israel's main commercial gateway through the Red Sea.



Al-Mashhadani Emphasizes Strengthening Iraqi-Saudi Relations

Al-Mashhadani during his meeting with the Saudi Ambassador in Baghdad (Iraqi Parliament)
Al-Mashhadani during his meeting with the Saudi Ambassador in Baghdad (Iraqi Parliament)
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Al-Mashhadani Emphasizes Strengthening Iraqi-Saudi Relations

Al-Mashhadani during his meeting with the Saudi Ambassador in Baghdad (Iraqi Parliament)
Al-Mashhadani during his meeting with the Saudi Ambassador in Baghdad (Iraqi Parliament)

Iraqi Parliament Speaker Dr. Mahmoud Al-Mashhadani has called for prioritizing stronger ties with Saudi Arabia, citing shared regional interests and the potential for positive outcomes.
During a meeting with Saudi Ambassador Abdulaziz Al-Shammari, Al-Mashhadani highlighted the importance of Iraqi-Saudi cooperation, particularly in addressing regional challenges. The meeting explored ways to enhance bilateral relations in economic and political spheres while discussing major Arab issues, including the Gaza war, Lebanon’s instability, and changes in Syria.
This comes after Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani met Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman last week in AlUla to address the challenges of the Syrian crisis, regional security, and stability. The summit focused on aligning efforts to tackle broader geopolitical issues and fostering cooperation.
As part of Iraq’s deepening engagement with Gulf countries, Baghdad recently signed numerous agreements with Saudi Arabia through the Saudi-Iraqi Coordination Council. Additionally, Iraq signed two memoranda of understanding with Oman, covering political consultations, economic collaboration, and transportation.
Sudani also received Omani Foreign Minister Badr Albusaidi, who delivered an invitation from Sultan Haitham bin Tariq to visit Oman. Discussions emphasized on enhancing bilateral economic and trade ties, particularly in oil derivatives. Both sides reaffirmed the importance of stability in Syria and the need to preserve its sovereignty and diversity while supporting its people.
In a joint press conference with his Iraqi counterpart, Albusaidi underscored the strong cultural and fraternal ties between Iraq and Oman. He noted opportunities for collaboration in tourism, energy, trade, and finance, while underlining his country’s commitment to participate in the Baghdad International Trade Fair in February 2024.
For his part, Iraqi Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein highlighted efforts to abolish visa requirements between Iraq and Oman, expressed hope for inclusive political progress in Syria, and pointed to Iraq’s commitment to further agreements that strengthen bilateral cooperation across various sectors.