In a bold escalation of regional tensions, Yemen’s Houthi rebels launched a missile on Sunday, May 4, 2025, that landed dangerously close to Israel’s busiest international travel hub—Ben Gurion Airport. The impact near Terminal 3 caused widespread panic, disrupted flight schedules, and prompted strong warnings from Israeli defense officials.
Eyewitnesses described scenes of chaos at the airport as sirens blared and passengers sprinted for shelter. A plume of black smoke was seen rising behind aircraft and terminal buildings, prompting many to fear the worst. Videos filmed on smartphones captured the dramatic aftermath, although Reuters has not independently verified the footage.
Israeli police commander Yair Hetzroni revealed a large crater caused by the missile strike, stating, “You can see the scene right behind us here—a hole with a diameter and depth of several tens of metres. Thankfully, there was no major damage.”
The Houthi group, aligned with Iran and known for its opposition to Israeli actions in Gaza, claimed full responsibility. Their spokesperson, Yahya Saree, declared that Israel’s main airport was “no longer safe for air travel.”
Although Israel’s Iron Dome missile defense system has successfully intercepted most Houthi-launched missiles, this one managed to evade defenses, raising serious concerns about the system’s vulnerability. In response, Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz delivered a stern warning: “Whoever harms us will be harmed sevenfold.”
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu convened top security officials to assess the situation and determine Israel’s next move. Reports indicate the missile strike coincides with Israel’s ongoing military operation in Gaza, which resumed in March after a temporary truce ended.
Flight operations at Ben Gurion were temporarily halted, with several flights—including those from Air India, TUS Airways, and Lufthansa—either canceled or delayed. According to airport authorities, service has since resumed, although live tracking data shows lingering disruptions.
The attack marks a significant shift in the Houthis’ strategy. Since late 2023, the group has been targeting Israel and international shipping routes in the Red Sea in response to Israel’s war against Hamas. The Gaza conflict, which started after Hamas-led attacks on Israel on October 7, 2023, has since claimed over 50,000 Palestinian lives and displaced hundreds of thousands.
In a related development, the U.S. has stepped up its military campaign against Houthi forces. Following the latest attacks, President Donald Trump authorized extensive airstrikes on Houthi strongholds to degrade their capabilities and safeguard maritime traffic.
As the situation unfolds, global attention is focused on whether Israel will retaliate and how this attack will influence the already fragile ceasefire efforts in the region.
