Tel Aviv — In an unprecedented escalation of regional tensions, a missile fired from Yemen late Tuesday evening struck Israel, setting off air raid sirens across central parts of the country and forcing Ben Gurion International Airport, Israel’s primary international gateway, temporarily to shut down. The incident underscores regional actors’ growing threat and displays the growing reach of Yemeni missile capabilities supported by Iran-align Houthi forces.
Israeli military sources stated that the projectile was intercepted by advanced aerial defense systems before striking its intended target, yet still caused widespread panic and led to the suspension of air traffic at Ben Gurion Airport for approximately 90 minutes, as authorities worked quickly to assess and ensure public safety. Flights were diverted, grounded or delayed depending on authorities’ assessment.
Israel Defense Forces (IDF) confirmed that a missile launched from Yemen had been intercepted over open terrain by Israeli troops. No injuries or damages were reported as a result, though this represents an alarming shift in Houthi long-range targeting capabilities and further draws Israel into conflicts related to Iran-Israel proxy wars.
Travelers were temporarily disoriented during an airport shutdown, as passengers were evacuated from boarding areas and taken shelter in secure zones. “There was a loud boom and then red-tinged screens informed everyone all operations had been suspended,” noted Avi Cohen while traveling towards New York. People were distressed, yet security handled it swiftly.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu convened an emergency security meeting shortly after the attack and issued a brief statement promising that Israel would take decisive action to defend its citizens from any threats from foreign militias that endanger national security. Our defense systems performed magnificently; therefore, all necessary steps will be taken to neutralize threats from any region,” said he.
Houthi militia groups that control large portions of northern Yemen and have been engaged in an extended civil war with internationally-recognized Yemeni government, have previously launched drones and missiles at targets located within Saudi Arabia and United Arab Emirates – however Tuesday marked their first direct strike attempt on Israeli territory and may signal an expansion in their operational targets.
Timing of the missile launch was especially pertinent. It coincided with an intensifying conflict between Israeli forces and Iranian-backed groups in Lebanon, Syria, and Gaza, prompting intelligence analysts to predict a wider regional war. Analysts believe it may be an attempt by Houthis and their Iranian patrons to demonstrate solidarity with anti-Israel factions or respond to recent Israeli actions in the region.
U.S. officials condemned Israel’s missile launch as dangerous and reckless escalation. Targeting civilian infrastructure such as airports “is unacceptable”, according to a spokesperson from the State Department. They offered their full support for Israel as they defend themselves.
Ben Gurion Airport resumed full operations as of Wednesday morning, though enhanced security measures still remain. According to reports by the IDF, they are closely monitoring any further threats and have reinforced aerial defense units throughout both regions of Israel.
As tensions in the Middle East remain elevated, today’s missile incident serves as a stark reminder of just how rapidly conflict can escalate across borders and endanger civilian lives and vital infrastructure.