Authorities were seen clearing a road next to the impact site near Ben Gurion aiport (Getty Images)
A missile launched by Yemen’s Houthi rebels hit near Israel’s busiest airport on Sunday, prompting a sharp response from Israeli leaders. Though no lives were lost, the attack heightened tensions across the region and raised new security concerns.
Missile Strike Shakes Airport Perimeter
The missile struck an area close to the main terminal of Ben Gurion Airport, near Tel Aviv. According to emergency services, four people were injured in the blast. Two others sustained minor injuries while rushing to safety. Thankfully, none of the injuries were serious.
Unverified videos showed black smoke rising from a roadside crater as drivers scrambled for cover. Airport officials later confirmed that the missile had hit near a parking area beside Terminal Three.
Netanyahu Vows Payback
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu responded swiftly. In a video statement, he declared, “We attacked in the past, we will attack in the future.”
He accused Iran of orchestrating the assault through its proxy, the Houthis. “We will respond to the Houthis and to Iran at a time and place of our choosing,” Netanyahu warned.
Air Defences Under Scrutiny
The missile was not intercepted, raising questions about the reliability of Israel's advanced defence systems. Reports suggest that both the Israeli Arrow system and a US-supplied THAAD battery failed to stop it.
The Israeli Air Force confirmed an investigation is underway to determine why the missile slipped through undetected.
Flight Chaos and Temporary Shutdown
Flights at Ben Gurion were temporarily halted following the strike. Though the airport soon resumed operations, major airlines like Lufthansa, Air France, and Delta canceled flights in and out of Tel Aviv for the rest of the day.
Sirens had blared across various parts of the country moments before the impact, giving citizens little time to seek shelter.
Houthi Rebels Threaten More Attacks
Later that day, the Houthis claimed responsibility and warned of more attacks. In a statement, they threatened a "comprehensive aerial blockade" on Israel by targeting airports repeatedly.
The group said these attacks are retaliation for Israel’s ongoing military campaign in Gaza.
Israel Promises Stronger Response
Defense Minister Yoav Gallant and Minister Israel Katz echoed Netanyahu’s hardline stance. Katz declared, “Anyone who hits us, we will hit them seven times stronger.”
Netanyahu is expected to meet with top military officials to discuss Israel’s next move. A formal response strategy is likely to be unveiled soon.
Regional Tensions On The Rise
The Houthi missile strike represents a rare instance of successful penetration into Israeli airspace. While the group has launched several attacks in recent months, most were intercepted or missed their targets.
Beyond Israel, the Houthis have also attacked commercial ships in the Red Sea. The United States and the United Kingdom have launched airstrikes against the group in response.
As threats escalate on multiple fronts, Israeli authorities are bracing for further challenges to national security.
