Shin Bet chief David Zini has warned in closed-door discussions that the next surprise attack on Israel could occur in Eilat, according to a report in Haaretz.

Zini views the southern resort city as a significant security vulnerability due to its isolated geographic isolation and distance from Israel’s main population centers and military concentrations. Surrounded by international borders on three sides, the city is considered particularly exposed from a security perspective.

In meetings within the Shin Bet and with other security officials, Zini has raised concerns about a scenario involving a ground incursion into the city. According to the report, he is particularly focused on the possibility of an incursion from the Jordanian border, although he has not ruled out threats originating from the maritime borders as well.

Sources familiar with the discussions said he has directed the agency’s intelligence units to devote increased attention to the possibility of an attack on Eilat.

According to security sources, Zini believes such an assault would begin with a coordinated and carefully planned ground infiltration. He also assesses that several terrorist organizations could assist in carrying out such an operation, including the Houthis.

Several weeks ago, Zini made a discreet visit to Eilat with other senior Shin Bet officials and met with local security personnel. During the visit, he reiterated his concerns about the possibility of a ground attack on the city.

Home to roughly 60,000 residents, Eilat is located about three hours from central Israel and sits near the borders of Jordan, Egypt, and Saudi Arabia. Its unique geographic position, combined with its role as a major tourist destination, presents a complex security challenge.

However, according to the report, not everyone in the security establishment agrees with the level of emphasis Zini is placing on the scenario. Senior officials have questioned whether there is concrete intelligence indicating preparations for an attack on Eilat and whether such a significant allocation of resources is justified.

Security sources cited in the report said that while there is a theoretical possibility of an attack on Eilat, there are currently no clear intelligence indicators pointing to an active operational plan. Nevertheless, in the aftermath of the October 7 massacre—when Israeli security agencies failed to anticipate Hamas’s large-scale assault—officials are approaching such warnings with far greater caution.

Zini’s warning comes as the Shin Bet faces multiple security challenges, including efforts to uncover Hamas networks operating from Turkey and to thwart terrorist infrastructure in Yehuda and Shomron.

The Shin Bet declined to comment on the report, stating only: “We do not comment on statements made in closed-door discussions.”

(YWN Israel Desk—Jerusalem)