Yemen’s Houthi rebels successfully struck Israel’s main international airport with a missile, causing injuries and flight cancellations as Netanyahu vows strong retaliation against the Iran-backed group.
Key Takeaways
- A ballistic missile fired by Yemen’s Iran-backed Houthi rebels landed near Ben Gurion Airport’s main terminal, injuring at least eight people.
- Israel’s defense systems failed to intercept the missile, prompting an investigation into the breakdown of the country’s normally effective air defenses.
- Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has promised retaliation, while Houthi spokesperson declared the airport “no longer safe for air travel.”
- Several international airlines have suspended flights to Tel Aviv following the attack.
- The incident represents a significant escalation in the regional conflict, with Israeli officials directly blaming Iran for supporting the attack.
Direct Strike on Israel’s Main Aviation Hub
A ballistic missile launched from Yemen by Houthi rebels struck near the main terminal of Israel’s Ben Gurion International Airport on Sunday, causing injuries and temporarily shutting down Israel’s primary aviation hub. The attack marks one of the most successful strikes against Israel by the Yemen-based group, which has been launching missiles toward Israeli territory for months in support of Hamas and in opposition to Israel’s military operations in Gaza. The missile created a crater near the airport terminal, with Israeli authorities reporting that eight people were injured—six directly from the impact and two while seeking shelter.
The strike exposed a rare failure of Israel’s sophisticated air defense systems, which normally intercept incoming threats. Officials confirmed that warnings and sirens were activated across central Israel, but the missile was not intercepted. The Israeli Air Force has launched an immediate investigation into this defensive breakdown, raising serious questions about the vulnerability of critical infrastructure. Following the attack, airport operations were temporarily suspended, with entrances closed and train services to the terminal halted, causing significant disruption to Israel’s main international gateway.
⚡️🚨 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
Israel Promises Swift Retaliation
Israeli leadership responded with immediate and stern warnings of retaliation against the Houthi forces. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu addressed the nation, declaring, “We attacked in the past, we will attack in the future,” signaling Israel’s determination to respond forcefully to the strike. Netanyahu planned emergency meetings with his security cabinet and defense officials to formulate a response strategy, which many analysts expect will involve military action against Houthi positions in Yemen.
“Anyone who hits us, we will hit them seven times stronger,” said Israel’s Defence Minister Israel Katz.
Benny Gantz, a key figure in Israel’s war cabinet, directly attributed the attack to Iranian influence, suggesting that Tehran would bear responsibility in Israel’s response. The attribution to Iran escalates the situation beyond Yemen, potentially drawing in more regional powers. Several Israeli officials have indicated that the response may target not only Houthi positions but could also affect Iranian interests, risking further regional destabilization at a time when multiple conflict fronts remain active across the Middle East.
Houthis Expand Their Regional Role
The Houthi forces quickly claimed responsibility for the attack through their military spokesperson, Yahya Saree, who declared Ben Gurion Airport was “no longer safe for air travel.” This bold claim represents a significant escalation in Houthi rhetoric and ambition, as the Yemen-based group continues to position itself as a major player in the broader regional conflict. The attack demonstrates the Houthis’ expanding operational range and precision capabilities, with missiles now accurately striking targets over 1,100 miles from Yemen.
This latest strike comes despite ongoing U.S.-led military operations against Houthi positions in Yemen, which have included repeated bombing campaigns aimed at degrading the group’s military capabilities. The Houthis have maintained their ability to launch sophisticated attacks, including those targeting international shipping in the Red Sea and now directly hitting Israel’s primary airport. Their resilience in the face of U.S. and UK bombardment raises serious questions about the effectiveness of Western military intervention in containing the threat posed by the Iran-aligned group.
International Response and Aviation Impact
The missile strike has prompted immediate reactions from international airlines, with several carriers including Lufthansa, Swiss, Austrian Airlines, and various American carriers suspending flights to Tel Aviv. This international aviation response underscores the real-world impact of the attack on Israel’s connectivity to global travel networks. Airport officials worked to resume operations by late Sunday, but ongoing security concerns and potential follow-up attacks threatened continued disruptions to Israel’s air travel infrastructure.
The incident has further complicated diplomatic efforts to contain the Gaza conflict, with the airport strike demonstrating how the conflict continues to expand beyond its initial boundaries, drawing in multiple nations and armed groups from across the region in an increasingly complex and dangerous confrontation.
