Jerusalem, Israel — A missile fired from Yemen struck near Ben Gurion Airport on Sunday, prompting a temporary shutdown of Israel’s main international air hub. The incident, which exposed vulnerabilities in the country’s defense capabilities, came as the Houthi rebels announced their intention to target Israeli airports. This event raises further concerns about the effectiveness of missile defense systems amid a backdrop of ongoing conflict in the region.
Flights at the airport were halted for approximately half an hour after the missile landed in close proximity to the facility. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) reported that several interception attempts were made using the long-range Arrow system, which, coupled with the U.S. THAAD anti-missile system stationed in Israel, was aimed at thwarting the threat. An ongoing review is assessing the interception’s failure.
The Iran-aligned Houthi movement claimed responsibility for the attack, describing it as retaliation against what they termed “genocide” in Gaza. Houthi spokesperson Yahya Saree signaled that future strikes could target Ben Gurion Airport repeatedly, advising airlines to reconsider flights to Israel in light of increased risks.
This missile strike marks a significant escalation, as it represents an effective target against one of the best-protected sites in Israel. An initial inquiry by the IDF indicated no apparent malfunction in its systems but pointed to a “technical issue” with the interceptor that failed to detonate.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, addressing the situation, stated that his government is prepared to respond decisively to Houthi aggression. He emphasized there would be continued military action against the rebels, revealing ongoing coordination with U.S. forces. Netanyahu further pledged retaliation against Iranian entities linked to the attack, underscoring the government’s stance on national security.
Defense Minister Israel Katz warned of a strong response, suggesting it would be “sevenfold.” Meanwhile, Iranian defense minister Aziz Nasirzadeh remarked that Iran would retaliate vigorously if attacked, framing the regional dynamic as one of deterrence rather than aggression toward neighboring countries.
The missile’s accuracy raised alarm among Israeli military analysts, prompting assessments of whether this indicates an emerging threat requiring adaptive strategies. Amir Bar Shalom, a military affairs expert, noted that the advanced capabilities shown by the Houthi missile challenge existing defense measures.
In the broader context of ongoing conflict, the incident is part of a series of missile launches from Yemen aimed at Israel, indicative of heightened tensions since the onset of the war in Gaza in October 2023. The Houthi group has claimed to possess missiles with advanced technology, capable of high maneuverability and impressive range.
In response to the ongoing attacks, both Israel and the U.S. have intensified military operations targeting Houthi positions in Yemen, with the goal of disrupting their ability to launch strikes and safeguard shipping routes in the Red Sea. Despite extensive U.S. military efforts, the Houthis continue to demonstrate resilience in their operational capabilities.
The threat from Houthi missiles, combined with other regional dynamics, continues to pose significant challenges for Israeli security, raising questions about the resilience of its advanced defense systems and the long-term implications for regional stability.