A missile launched by Iran-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen on Sunday landed near Israel's main international airport, causing temporary flight disruptions and prompting threats of retaliation. The attack near Ben Gurion Airport came as Israeli officials were set to discuss expanding operations in Gaza.
The projectile struck a field near an access road leading to airport parking areas. Footage showed a plume of smoke, and witnesses reported panic among passengers. The Israeli military confirmed that defense systems failed to intercept this specific missile, unlike most fired from Yemen previously. The impact left a deep crater.
Yemen's Houthi rebels claimed responsibility for the strike. Houthi military spokesperson Yahya Saree warned that Ben Gurion Airport was "no longer safe for air travel." The group stated the attack was in solidarity with Palestinians amid the Israel-Gaza war.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu vowed a forceful response. "Israel will respond to the Houthi attack against our main airport AND, at a time and place of our choosing, to their Iranian terror masters," Netanyahu posted. He added that Israel and the US will "act against them again in the future."
Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz also issued a threat, stating, "Whoever attacks us, we will hit back sevenfold," referencing a passage suggesting severe punishment. Former war cabinet member Benny Gantz blamed Iran directly, calling for a "severe reaction in Tehran."
The missile launch prompted air raid sirens across central Israel. While the Israel Airports Authority stated normal operations resumed, several airlines including Lufthansa, Delta, ITA Airways, and Air France cancelled flights scheduled for Sunday and the following days.
Emergency personnel responded to the site. An Israeli police commander, Yair Hetzroni, showed reporters the crater, which he described as tens of meters in diameter and depth, though he noted no significant damage to infrastructure. Eight people sustained mild to moderate injuries and were taken to hospital.
The attack occurred hours before ministers were expected to vote on intensifying Israel’s military actions in Gaza. The army began calling up thousands of reserves in anticipation of expanded operations. This follows a resumption of intense fighting in March after a two-month truce.
The United States has conducted large-scale strikes against the Houthis in Yemen since March, under the Donald Trump administration, aiming to degrade their capabilities and deter attacks on shipping and Israel. US National Security Council spokesperson James Hewitt stated the US continues operations against the Houthis and coordinates with Israel through diplomatic channels.
The conflict began after Hamas-led attacks on southern Israel on October 7, 2023, killed 1,200 people and took 251 hostages. Israel's subsequent offensive in Gaza has killed more than 52,000 Palestinians.
