In a significant escalation of regional hostilities, a hypersonic ballistic missile launched by Yemen’s Iran-backed Houthi rebels struck near Israel’s Ben Gurion International Airport on Sunday. The attack injured at least six civilians, caused temporary suspension of air traffic, and raised serious concerns about the effectiveness of Israel’s multi-layered missile defense systems.
At approximately 10:45 a.m. local time, air raid sirens blared across central Israel as the missile approached. Despite multiple interception attempts, the missile evaded Israel’s Arrow and U.S.-supplied THAAD defense systems, landing near an access road to Terminal 3 of Ben Gurion Airport. The impact created a large crater and damaged nearby infrastructure, including a vehicle. Emergency services reported that six individuals sustained minor injuries, with two treated for acute anxiety.
The Israel Airports Authority confirmed a temporary halt in operations, with all landings and takeoffs suspended for approximately one hour. Flights resumed after safety assessments, but the incident prompted several international airlines, including Lufthansa, Delta, ITA Airways, and Air France, to cancel flights to Tel Aviv for the coming days.
The Houthi movement quickly claimed responsibility for the attack, stating it was in solidarity with Palestinians amid ongoing Israeli military operations in Gaza. A Houthi spokesperson warned that Ben Gurion Airport is no longer safe for international aviation, signaling potential future attacks on Israeli infrastructure.
The Houthis have intensified their missile and drone attacks against Israel since the outbreak of the Gaza conflict in October 2023. Their arsenal, reportedly enhanced by Iranian technology, includes long-range ballistic missiles capable of reaching deep into Israeli territory. The group unveiled the “Palestine-2” missile in June 2024, boasting a range of over 2,000 kilometers and speeds up to Mach 16, though experts debate the veracity of these claims.
The missile’s successful penetration of Israel’s air defenses has raised alarms within the military establishment. Israel’s Arrow and THAAD systems are designed to intercept high-altitude ballistic threats, yet both failed in this instance. Military sources indicated that the missile’s hypersonic speed and trajectory complicated interception efforts, leading to the unprecedented breach.
The Times of Israel
An official review is underway to assess the missile’s trajectory, the reasons behind the interception failures, and the overall response of the defense systems. The incident underscores the challenges posed by advanced missile technology and the need for continual upgrades to defense capabilities.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu convened an emergency cabinet meeting following the attack, vowing a “multi-phased response” against the Houthis. “We’ve acted against them in the past, and we’ll act again in the future,” Netanyahu stated, emphasizing that the response would not be a singular event but part of a broader strategy.
Defense Minister Yoav Gallant echoed the sentiment, promising a strong retaliation. The Israeli military has already begun calling up reservists in anticipation of potential escalations.
The attack occurred just hours before the Israeli security cabinet was scheduled to vote on intensifying military operations in Gaza. National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir advocated for a more aggressive approach, including targeting essential infrastructure in Gaza. The renewed conflict follows the collapse of an eight-week ceasefire in March, with Israel having resumed airstrikes and tightened its blockade, exacerbating Gaza’s humanitarian crisis.
The missile strike near Ben Gurion Airport marks a significant escalation in the regional conflict, highlighting the Houthis’ capability to strike deep into Israeli territory. It also underscores the expanding reach of Iran-backed groups in the Middle East and the complexities of the ongoing proxy wars.
The United States, under President Donald Trump, has intensified its military efforts against Houthi positions in Yemen, conducting airstrikes aimed at deterring further attacks. However, the effectiveness of these measures remains in question as the Houthis continue to demonstrate their offensive capabilities.
The incident has also prompted discussions about the safety of international aviation in the region. With major airlines suspending flights to Israel, concerns are mounting over the potential for further disruptions and the broader economic impact.
The Houthi missile strike near Ben Gurion Airport represents a critical juncture in the Middle Eastern conflict, exposing vulnerabilities in Israel’s defense systems and signaling a potential shift in the dynamics of regional warfare. As Israel prepares its response, the international community watches closely, aware that the ramifications of this incident could reverberate far beyond the immediate vicinity of Tel Aviv.
