Magnitude 4.5 Earthquake Rocks Eilat Region, Disrupts Airport Operations

A magnitude 4.5 earthquake struck the Gulf of Eilat region on Wednesday afternoon, with tremors felt across parts of southern Israel, particularly in the southern Arava. Israel's Home Front Command confirmed that the earthquake had been felt in several areas, while the Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure reported that the Geological Survey of Israel had recorded the seismic event. The earthquake affected Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Jordan, and Israel, with its epicenter located approximately nine kilometers from Haql, Saudi Arabia, and roughly 200 kilometers south of Taba and Eilat.

For the first time, Israel's Home Front Command app issued an earthquake warning, alerting residents in areas potentially affected by the tremors. Warnings were activated in Be'er Ora, Elifaz, the Timna Mines area, Eilat, Eilot, and the Shahoret industrial zone.

Home Front Command Issues Earthquake Safety Instructions

Residents in affected areas were instructed to immediately move to an open space. The warning stated that anyone unable to reach an open area should enter a reinforced safe room, leaving the door open, or move to a stairwell. If neither option was possible, residents were advised to sit in an interior corner of a room or take shelter beneath a sturdy piece of furniture while protecting their heads with their hands.

The Israel Airports Authority announced that flight operations at Ramon Airport, near Eilat, had been temporarily suspended to allow safety inspections of airport infrastructure. “Due to the earthquake in the Eilat region, aviation operations have been suspended until inspections and infrastructure checks at Ramon Airport are completed to ensure flight safety,” the authority said.

Series of Earthquakes Recorded in Israel During 2026

Wednesday's earthquake follows several seismic events recorded in Israel and neighboring countries over the past year. On January 15, 2026, a magnitude 3.9–4.1 earthquake struck approximately 14 kilometers south of Arad, with tremors felt across the Dead Sea region, southern Israel, and parts of central Israel. Just four days later, on January 19, a magnitude 3.7 earthquake occurred in the Hula Valley, with residents across northern Israel reporting that they felt the tremors.

On August 3, a stronger earthquake measuring approximately 5.0–5.2 struck southern Egypt and was also felt in Israel. Most recently, on November 10, a minor magnitude 2.1 seismic event was recorded in the Hula Valley, although there were no reports of residents feeling the tremor.

The latest earthquake has once again drawn attention to seismic activity in the region, particularly along the geological fault systems extending through southern Israel and neighboring countries.