Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has vowed a decisive military response after a missile launched by Yemen’s Houthi rebels struck near Ben Gurion International Airport, injuring several civilians and sparking fresh concerns over regional escalation.
The missile, fired early Sunday morning from territory held by the Iran-backed Houthis, landed just outside the main terminal of Israel’s busiest airport, located near Tel Aviv. According to Israeli emergency services, four people sustained injuries from the blast, while two others were hurt while rushing to a nearby shelter. None of the injuries are reported to be serious.
In a video posted to social media shortly after the incident, Netanyahu warned of imminent retaliation. “We attacked in the past, we will attack in the future,” he said, signaling that Israeli strikes could soon follow. Defense Minister Israel Katz reinforced the prime minister’s message, stating, “Anyone who hits us, we will hit them seven times stronger.”
The Houthis, who have increased their attacks across the region in recent months, claimed responsibility through military spokesperson Yahya Saree. In a televised statement, Saree declared that Ben Gurion Airport is “no longer safe for air travel,” further heightening security fears among Israeli citizens and international travelers.
The missile strike did not disrupt airport operations for an extended period, but flight delays were reported as authorities assessed the damage and reviewed security protocols.
Netanyahu later accused Iran of orchestrating the attack through its regional proxies. “These attacks by the Houthis emanate from Iran,” he said. “We will respond to the Houthi attack and to Iran at a time and place of our choosing.”
Unverified videos circulating online appear to show the moment of impact, with drivers on nearby roads pulling over and ducking for cover as a projectile lands, followed by a plume of black smoke rising near the airport perimeter.
This latest incident marks a serious escalation in Houthi-Israeli tensions and underscores growing concerns about Iran’s influence across the region. Security officials are now on high alert as Israel weighs its next steps.
