Yemen's Iran-backed Houthi rebels demonstrate advanced military capabilities in a shocking missile attack on Israel's main international hub.
According to the New York Post, a ballistic missile struck Ben Gurion Airport in Tel Aviv on Sunday, wounding six people and exposing vulnerabilities in both Israeli and American air defense systems, prompting foreign airlines to suspend flights.
The missile breached multiple layers of sophisticated air defense systems, including Israel's long-range Arrow system and the American Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) system, which was deployed to Israel last year amid escalating tensions with Iran. The attack caused moderate injuries to one person and minor injuries to five others, leading to temporary disruptions in airport operations.
Defense sources revealed that both the Israeli Air Force and American military made several unsuccessful attempts to intercept the incoming missile. The incident has raised serious questions about the effectiveness of current missile defense capabilities against Houthi attacks.
The militant group's military spokesperson, Yahya Saree, declared the airport "no longer safe for air travel" following the attack. Senior Houthi official Mohammed al-Bukhaiti emphasized in an interview with Qatar's Al-Araby TV channel that the group has "no red lines" in its campaign against Israel.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu responded to the attack with a stern warning, vowing to take decisive action against the Houthi rebels. Defense Minister Israel Katz echoed this sentiment, promising sevenfold retaliation against those who harm Israel.
Delta Air Lines immediately canceled its planned flights between JFK and Tel Aviv for Sunday and Monday. Although United Airlines maintained its Newark-Tel Aviv route, both carriers experienced significant delays in their Tel Aviv departures.
Ben Gurion Airport's head, Udi Bar Oz, announced that operations resumed within 30 minutes of the missile strike. The airport administration is working closely with Israel's Transportation Minister to minimize disruptions to flight schedules in the coming days.
This attack marks a significant escalation in the ongoing conflict, as many foreign airlines had only recently resumed services to Tel Aviv in January following an 18-month suspension after the October 7, 2023 terror attacks.
The Houthi rebels, controlling large portions of Yemen, initiated attacks on Red Sea shipping and Israeli targets in late 2023. President Trump ordered extensive military strikes against the group in March 2025 to reduce their operational capabilities and protect commercial shipping in the region.
Until now, Israel has refrained from direct military action against Yemen in response to Houthi attacks. However, Netanyahu's recent statements suggest a potential shift in this strategy, indicating possible future military operations against the rebel group.
The deteriorating security situation has prompted international concern about the stability of commercial air travel in the region. Transportation authorities are currently assessing the long-term implications for international flight operations at Ben Gurion Airport.
The successful missile strike on Ben Gurion Airport represents a significant milestone in the ongoing conflict between Israel and Iran-backed forces in the region. The Houthi rebels, operating from Yemen, managed to penetrate sophisticated air defense systems and strike Israel's primary international gateway, which handled over 21 million passengers in 2023. This attack demonstrates the rebels' expanding military capabilities and their determination to target strategic Israeli infrastructure. The incident has disrupted international air travel and exposed potential vulnerabilities in current missile defense systems, prompting a reassessment of security measures.
