Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has promised swift retaliation after a missile fired by Yemen’s Houthi rebels landed near Ben Gurion Airport, Israel’s main international hub.
In a video message posted to social media, Netanyahu declared, “We attacked in the past; we will attack in the future,” signaling that Israel is preparing for a forceful response.
The missile, launched early Sunday by the Iran-backed Houthis, struck just outside the main terminal of Ben Gurion Airport, according to Israeli officials. Six people were reported injured—four by the explosion itself and two while running for cover—but none sustained serious injuries.
Houthi military spokesman Yahya Saree claimed responsibility in a televised announcement, warning that the airport is now “no longer safe for air travel.”
Israel’s Defense Minister Yoav Gallant echoed Netanyahu’s tough stance, saying, “Anyone who hits us, we will hit them seven times harder.”
Netanyahu later emphasized that the Houthis’ actions are driven by Iran, adding, “We will respond to both the Houthis and Iran at a time and place of our choosing.”
Footage circulating online appeared to show motorists near the airport scrambling for cover as the missile landed, sending a large plume of black smoke into the air near Terminal 3 on the outskirts of Tel Aviv.
The airport temporarily suspended flights following the attack, though operations have since resumed. Several international carriers—including Lufthansa, Air France, and Delta—canceled flights to and from Tel Aviv for the day as a precaution.
Israel’s Air Force is investigating why the missile was not intercepted, despite the activation of air raid sirens across the region. According to Israeli media reports, both the country’s advanced Arrow missile defense system and a U.S.-supplied Terminal High-Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) battery failed to stop the incoming projectile.
At the site of the impact, Senior Police Commander Yair Hetzroni showed reporters a large crater near the airport parking lot, noting that despite the explosion’s force, significant damage was avoided.
Netanyahu is expected to meet with defense officials and ministers to plan Israel’s next steps, according to local news sources.
The Houthis, an armed rebel group backed by Iran, have stepped up their missile attacks against Israel in solidarity with Hamas amid the ongoing conflict in Gaza. While they have frequently targeted Israel, it is rare for their missiles to breach Israel’s highly sophisticated air defense systems.
The Houthis have also been disrupting maritime traffic in the Red Sea, prompting U.S.-led military strikes in Yemen, supported by the UK.
