Houthis Target Israeli Airport in Ballistic Missile Strike

TEL AVIV- A ballistic missile launched by Yemen’s Houthis rebels struck the perimeter of Ben Gurion International Airport (TLV), an Israeli Airport, causing minor damage and injuring eight people. The attack disrupted air traffic and heightened regional tensions.

El Al Israel Airlines (LY) and other carriers faced flight suspensions at Israel’s busiest airport, Ben Gurion, as the Israeli military investigates the failure of its defense systems. Houthi spokesperson Yahya Saree claimed responsibility, citing solidarity with Palestinians.

Photo- Wikimedia Commons

Houthis Missile Hits Israeli Airport

On May 4, 2025, Yemen’s Houthi rebels launched a ballistic missile targeting Ben Gurion International Airport (TLV), Israel’s primary aviation hub.

The missile struck a connecting road within the airport’s perimeter, damaging a vehicle and forcing the temporary suspension of air traffic. Verified visuals from the site revealed scattered debris and minor infrastructural damage.

Israeli paramedics confirmed that 8 individuals sustained injuries in the incident. The Israeli military stated that several interception attempts failed, prompting an internal investigation into the defensive lapse.

The missile attack triggered air raid sirens across central Israel, compelling civilians to seek shelter and disrupting normal transit routes, including train services and airport access.

Yahya Saree, the official military spokesperson of the Houthis, claimed responsibility for the strike and issued a stern warning in a televised statement, declaring Ben Gurion Airport (TLV) “no longer safe for air travel.”

The rebel group cited Israel’s continued offensive and blockade in the Gaza Strip, where Palestinian officials report over 52,495 deaths across 18 months, as their reason for escalating operations beyond maritime and Red Sea attacks.

The attack marks a significant extension of the Houthis’ strike range and highlights their strategic intent to disrupt civilian and economic stability in Israel.

Photo: X User

Israeli Response

In reaction to the attack, Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz vowed harsh retaliation, invoking religious references to “sevenfold” retribution.

Former war cabinet member Benny Gantz directly blamed Iran, asserting that Tehran is ultimately responsible for missile assaults on Israel, despite not providing concrete evidence.

Opposition leader Yair Golan criticized the Israeli government’s ongoing war strategy, highlighting the toll on civilians, soldiers, and hostages held in Gaza since the October 7, 2023 Hamas-led attack that left 1,139 Israelis dead and over 200 abducted.

Photo :- Fatima Shbair/AP

US Airstrikes in Yemen

Despite ongoing US military operations in Yemen aimed at curbing Houthi capabilities, the group remains active.

On the same day as the airport strike, Houthi media reported multiple US air raids, including 10 strikes in the al-Hazm district of al-Jawf governorate and three in Marib governorate.

One previous US strike reportedly killed dozens at a migrant detention center, underscoring the escalating humanitarian and military crisis.

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