Missile from Yemen Hits Near Israel's Ben Gurion Airport, Prompting Reactions

A missile launched from Yemen struck near Israel’s Ben Gurion Airport on Sunday morning, according to Israeli officials. This event caused commotion as seen in unconfirmed footage online, where drivers pulled over their cars on a nearby road to take shelter. The footage shows a projectile landing and producing a thick plume of black smoke close to the airport, situated on the edge of Tel Aviv.

Four individuals were injured due to the explosion, and two more were hurt while heading to a shelter, Israeli media reported, referencing emergency services. In response, Israel’s Defense Minister, Israel Katz, issued a stern warning, stating, “Anyone who hits us, we will strike them back seven times as hard.”

Yahya Saree, the spokesman for the Houthi military, declared via a televised announcement that the Israeli airport “is no longer safe for air travel.” Following a brief suspension, flight operations at the airport have resumed.

As the missile neared, sirens sounded in multiple regions of Israel. The Israeli Air Force has initiated an investigation into why the missile was not intercepted. Videos from local media display a significant crater left by the impact.

The Houthis, a Yemeni rebel group supported by Iran, frequently launch missile strikes towards Israel in support of Hamas in Gaza, although it is uncommon for these to breach Israel’s defense systems. Additionally, the group has been attacking ships in the Red Sea, prompting the United States, along with UK assistance, to lead a bombing campaign against them, as detailed in this report.