A missile launched from Yemen landed near Ben Gurion International Airport, Israel’s primary international hub, prompting a temporary suspension of air traffic and raising fresh security concerns amid rising regional tensions.
Defense Minister: “We Will Respond Sevenfold”
Israel’s Defense Minister Israel Katz issued a stark warning in response to the attack:
“Whoever dares strike us—we will strike back with seven times the force.”
The missile, believed to have been launched by Iran-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen, is the third such attack on Israel within just two days, according to rebel statements. Most previous launches have been intercepted by Israeli air defense systems.
Houthi Escalation and Regional Fallout
The Houthi militants, designated as a terrorist organization by the United States, have intensified cross-border attacks since the start of the Gaza war in 2023. Claiming solidarity with Palestinians, they have not only targeted Israel but also threatened maritime security in the Red Sea by attacking vessels.
🛳️ These actions led to a wave of US and UK airstrikes against Houthi positions in Yemen since mid-March.
Despite a brief truce during a two-month ceasefire in Gaza, the Houthis resumed their assaults in March, citing Israel’s blockade of humanitarian aid into the Strip.
U.S. Military Response: Over 1,000 Houthi Targets Hit
The U.S. military campaign against Houthi rebels has intensified in recent months. Since March, American forces report they have struck over 1,000 Houthi positions in Yemen, targeting launch pads, warehouses, and command centers.
Security Implications for Israel and Global Aviation
This latest missile strike raises alarms not only for Israel’s national security but also for international aviation safety.
Though no serious injuries were reported, the symbolic and logistical proximity of the strike to one of the region’s busiest airports underscores the volatile reach of the Yemeni conflict and its growing intersection with wider Middle Eastern tensions.
