A missile launched by Iran-backed Houthi rebels slammed into the grounds of Israel’s Ben Gurion Airport, shaking the nation and exposing vulnerabilities in its defense systems.
The BBC reported that the attack, which injured six people, prompted Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to pledge a strong retaliation against the Houthis and their Iranian backers. This brazen act of aggression underscores the growing threat of radical groups undermining global stability.
On Sunday morning, the missile struck near the main terminal of Ben Gurion Airport, located just outside Tel Aviv.
The blast left a massive crater beside a road near a parking lot, though no significant structural damage was reported. Sirens blared across Israel, warning citizens of the incoming threat.
Four individuals were injured by the missile’s explosion, while two others sustained injuries rushing to a shelter. None of the six victims faced life-threatening conditions. Unverified videos circulating online captured drivers near the airport scrambling for cover as black smoke rose from the impact site.
Israel’s advanced air defense systems, including the Arrow system and a U.S.-provided THAAD battery, failed to intercept the Houthi missile.
The Israeli Air Force launched an investigation to determine the cause of this alarming breach. Such failures raise questions about the reliability of defenses against increasingly bold attacks from Iran’s proxies.
The Houthis, a Yemen-based rebel group aligned with Iran, claimed responsibility for the strike. They announced plans for a “comprehensive aerial blockade” targeting Israel’s airports, aiming to disrupt the nation’s operations. This escalation follows their ongoing missile attacks in support of Hamas in Gaza.
Houthi missiles rarely penetrate Israel’s sophisticated defenses, making this incident particularly significant. Their attacks are part of a broader campaign, including assaults on Red Sea shipping, which have drawn U.S. and U.K. airstrikes in response. The group’s actions reflect Iran’s strategy of destabilizing the region through proxy warfare.
Prime Minister Netanyahu condemned the attack, linking it directly to Iran’s influence. “Attacks by the Houthis emanate from Iran,” he stated, signaling a firm response. He is set to meet with ministers and defense officials to plan Israel’s next steps.
Netanyahu also warned, “We attacked in the past, we will attack in the future.” His resolve reflects a commitment to protecting Israeli sovereignty against external threats. The government’s response will likely aim to deter further aggression from the Houthis and their backers.
Israel Katz, a senior official, echoed this sentiment, declaring, “Anyone who hits us, we will hit them seven times stronger.” Such statements underscore Israel’s determination to project strength in the face of provocation. The nation’s leaders are united in their stance against Iran’s regional ambitions.
Ben Gurion Airport, a critical hub for international travel, temporarily halted flights following the attack.
Operations have since resumed, but the incident rattled global confidence in Israel’s security. Major airlines, including Lufthansa, Air France, and Delta, canceled flights to and from the airport on Sunday.
The missile’s impact left a crater “tens of meters” wide and deep, according to Yair Hetzroni, a local observer.
The scene highlighted the destructive potential of Houthi weaponry, even if the damage was limited. Israel’s swift reopening of the airport signals resilience amid ongoing threats.
The Houthis’ blockade threat stems from Israel’s plans to expand military operations in Gaza. Their solidarity with Hamas fuels a cycle of violence that endangers civilians and destabilizes the region. Iran’s role in arming and directing these groups cannot be ignored.
The attack on Ben Gurion Airport is a stark reminder of the dangers posed by Iran’s proxy network. The Houthis’ ability to strike a heavily defended target like Israel’s main airport exposes gaps in global security. Nations must confront the root causes of such aggression, starting with Iran’s unchecked influence.