Houthi rebels from Yemen successfully launched a missile strike at Israel’s Ben Gurion Airport, causing injuries and flight cancellations while raising serious concerns about regional escalation and Israel’s defense systems.
Key Takeaways
- A missile fired by Yemen’s Iran-backed Houthi rebels struck near Ben Gurion Airport’s main terminal, injuring multiple people and temporarily halting flights.
- Israel’s air defense system failed to intercept the missile, prompting an investigation into the defensive lapse.
- Prime Minister Netanyahu and Defense Minister Katz have vowed strong retaliation against the Houthis, with Netanyahu declaring “We attacked in the past, we will attack in the future.”
- The Houthis claimed responsibility for the attack and declared the Israeli airport “no longer safe for air travel.”
- Multiple airlines have canceled flights to Tel Aviv following the attack, disrupting international travel to Israel.
Missile Strike Exposes Defense Vulnerabilities
In a concerning development for Israeli security, Houthi rebels from Yemen successfully launched a ballistic missile that struck near Ben Gurion Airport’s main terminal, causing injuries and forcing the temporary closure of Israel’s primary international gateway. The attack represents one of the few successful strikes against Israel by the Iran-backed militant group and has raised serious questions about Israel’s renowned air defense systems. Israeli military officials have acknowledged the failure to intercept the missile and launched an immediate investigation into the defensive lapse that allowed the projectile to reach its target unchallenged.
Eight people were reportedly injured in the incident – four directly from the blast and others while seeking shelter. The impact created a visible crater, though no significant structural damage to the airport was reported. Unverified footage circulating on social media showed civilians taking cover as the missile landed, producing a plume of smoke visible from surrounding areas. The attack triggered air raid sirens across central Israel, causing widespread panic as residents rushed to shelters.
⚡️🚨 Clean shot of the moment of impact of the Yemeni missile on Ben Gurion Airport pic.twitter.com/Jeq9P3A4rk
— Middle East Observer (@ME_Observer_) May 4, 2025
Travel Disruptions and International Response
The attack has severely disrupted travel to and from Israel, with airport authorities immediately halting operations following the strike. Several international carriers have canceled flights to Tel Aviv, and the airport temporarily closed all entrances and suspended train services to the facility. The disruption comes at a particularly difficult time for Israel’s tourism and business sectors, which have already faced challenges due to ongoing regional conflicts. Security protocols at the airport, already among the strictest in the world, are expected to be further enhanced following this direct attack.
The missile launch marks a significant escalation in the Houthis’ campaign against Israel, which they claim is in support of Hamas and opposition to Israeli military operations in Gaza. The militant group’s military spokesperson, Yahya Saree, made a direct threat following the attack, declaring Ben Gurion Airport was “no longer safe for air travel.” This provocative statement raises concerns about potential future attacks targeting civilian aviation infrastructure, a development that would further complicate an end to the conflict.
Israel Vows Retaliation as Regional Tensions Escalate
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has convened an emergency meeting with defense officials and cabinet ministers to formulate Israel’s response to the attack. In public statements, Netanyahu demonstrated resolve, declaring, “We attacked in the past, we will attack in the future.” This stance suggests Israel is preparing significant retaliatory measures against Houthi targets in Yemen, which could further inflame tensions across the Middle East. Defense Minister Israel Katz echoed this sentiment with his own warning, stating, “Anyone who hits us, we will hit them seven times stronger.”
The Houthi rebels have maintained an aggressive campaign targeting not only Israel but also international shipping in the Red Sea, prompting a U.S.-led bombing campaign with British support against Houthi positions in Yemen. Despite these military actions, the Houthis have continued their attacks. Israeli politician Benny Gantz attributed ultimate responsibility for the airport strike to Iran, which provides support to the Houthi movement, suggesting the incident could lead to broader regional consequences and potentially draw Iran more directly into the conflict. This successful strike against a high-value Israeli target demonstrates the Houthis’ increasing military capabilities and their determination to engage in the broader Middle Eastern conflict despite their geographic distance from Israel.
