An Israeli security investigation has concluded that a suspicious vessel intercepted off the coast of Eilat three weeks ago was likely an unmanned surface craft designed for intelligence gathering or carrying explosives, according to a report by Channel 14.

The incident occurred after Israeli naval forces detected a vessel crossing into Israeli waters from the direction of Jordan in the Gulf of Eilat. Navy personnel opened fire, causing the craft to turn back toward Jordan.

Initial reports from Jordan claimed that a suspect riding a jet ski had been wounded. However, Israeli investigators have since determined there was no rider aboard the craft, raising the possibility that the information provided was false.

According to the report, investigators now believe the vessel was an unmanned surface vehicle (USV) that may have been intended for reconnaissance or as an explosive-laden attack craft. After coming under Israeli fire, it is believed to have drifted or returned to the Jordanian shoreline.

Security officials are also examining the possibility that the incident was a “test of alertness” by hostile actors—potentially the Houthis—to gauge the Israeli Navy’s response ahead of a future attack targeting the Eilat area.

The report comes after Haaretz reported earlier Monday that Shin Bet chief Maj. Gen. David Zini has warned in closed-door discussions that Eilat could be vulnerable to a future surprise attack because of its isolated location and proximity to both land and maritime borders.

The Shin Bet later clarified that there is no specific or imminent threat against Eilat, saying the discussions were part of routine operational planning and lessons learned following the October 7 Hamas massacre, rather than based on concrete intelligence.

(YWN World Headquarters – NYC)