Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has promised a strong response after the Houthi group launched a missile attack on Ben Gurion Airport, Israel’s main international airport. The missile, fired from Yemen, landed near the terminal, causing panic among travelers.
The attack occurred on a day when Israeli cabinet ministers were preparing to discuss increasing military operations in the Gaza Strip, highlighting the ongoing tensions in the region. Netanyahu stated on social media that the Houthis act under Iranian influence and that Israel would retaliate against both the Houthis and their Iranian backers at a time of its choosing.
The missile strike created a plume of smoke and temporarily halted flights and traffic at the airport. Some international airlines have canceled flights to and from Tel Aviv for several days due to safety concerns. Four people suffered minor injuries, according to the Magen David Adom paramedic service.
As air raid sirens echoed across Israel, footage showed passengers scrambling for safety. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) reported that attempts to intercept the missile were unsuccessful due to a technical issue with the interceptor system. However, they confirmed that their detection and alert systems functioned properly.
In the wake of the attack, the Houthis declared they would impose a "comprehensive air blockade" on Israel, specifically targeting airports, and urged international airlines to cancel flights to protect their passengers. The group has been launching missiles at Israel since the beginning of the conflict with Hamas on October 7, 2023, with some missiles managing to breach Israel’s defense systems.
Iran’s defense minister warned that if the country faced an attack from the U.S. or Israel, it would retaliate against their forces and interests. The situation remains tense as both sides prepare for potential escalation.
The conflict has drawn international attention, with the U.S. and U.K. previously conducting strikes against Houthi positions in Yemen. As the situation develops, the focus remains on the safety of civilians and the broader implications for regional stability.