A missile launched from Yemen struck close to Ben Gurion Airport, Israel’s primary international gateway, on Sunday morning, according to Israeli officials.
Videos circulating on social media appeared to show motorists stopping along a nearby road, taking cover as the missile landed and sent a plume of black smoke into the sky near the airport, located outside Tel Aviv.
Local media, citing emergency responders, reported that four people were injured in the explosion, while two others were hurt while heading to a shelter.
In response, Israel’s Defense Minister Israel Katz declared: “Anyone who hits us, we will hit them seven times stronger.”
Houthi military spokesperson Yahya Saree claimed responsibility for the strike, stating on television that Israel’s airport was “no longer safe for air travel.”
Flights were briefly suspended but later resumed operations at the airport.
Air raid sirens were triggered across several regions as the missile approached. The Israeli Air Force confirmed it was reviewing why the projectile was not intercepted.
Images broadcast by Israeli outlets showed a sizable crater at the point of impact.
The Houthis, a Yemeni rebel faction supported by Iran, have frequently launched missile attacks targeting Israel in solidarity with Hamas in Gaza, though it is uncommon for such missiles to bypass Israel’s air defenses.
Since November 2023, the group has also targeted vessels in the Red Sea, prompting retaliatory airstrikes by the United States, with the United Kingdom participating in the mil
