A missile launched from Yemen by Iran-backed Houthis struck near Tel Aviv's Ben Gurion International Airport on Sunday, May 4, 2025, causing significant disruptions and raising alarms about regional security. The missile's impact, which occurred around 9:30 AM local time, briefly grounded flights, halted train services, and forced the closure of access roads littered with debris. This incident marks a critical escalation in the ongoing conflict, as it is the first time the Israeli Army has reported failing to intercept an incoming ballistic missile since the ceasefire in Gaza collapsed in mid-March 2025.
According to the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), several attempts were made to intercept the missile, but a technical failure in the interceptor system led to its successful strike. "A fall was identified in the area of Ben Gurion Airport. The incident is under review," the IDF stated. The missile struck a grassy area near the main highway leading into the airport, damaging parts of the entrance to Terminal 3.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu condemned the attack, stating, "As far as the trade routes, obviously, we're being challenged, the whole world is being challenged by the Houthis, including in the dastardly attack they did today near Ben-Gurion Airport. We will not tolerate it." He emphasized Iran's involvement, asserting, "We will take very strong action against them. And we always remember that they act with their patron Iran's direction and support." Netanyahu's comments reflect Israel's broader concerns about Iranian influence in the region.
In the aftermath of the missile strike, eight people were reported injured, primarily from the panic caused by the air raid sirens that blared across central Israel. Magen David Adom, Israel's emergency service, confirmed that the injuries were mild, with victims transported to local hospitals. Fortunately, there were no fatalities reported.
Flights at Ben Gurion Airport were grounded for nearly an hour following the missile strike, with several airlines, including Lufthansa and British Airways, opting to cancel flights to Israel on that day. The airport has since resumed operations, but the incident has raised concerns among travelers and airlines about the safety of flying to Israel.
The missile strike coincided with a crucial moment in Israeli politics, as Cabinet ministers were preparing to vote on plans to intensify military operations in Gaza. The IDF has been calling up tens of thousands of reserves, indicating a potential escalation in the conflict. Israel's Chief of Staff, Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir, stated, "We will operate in additional areas and we will destroy all of the infrastructure above and below ground." This statement underscores the Israeli military's commitment to expanding its operations in response to ongoing threats.
In a video statement, Houthi military spokesman Brig. Gen. Yahya Saree claimed responsibility for the missile attack, asserting that the group would impose a "comprehensive aerial blockade" on Israel by repeatedly targeting its airports. This declaration signals a potential increase in hostilities, as the Houthis have been launching missiles at Israel in solidarity with the Palestinian cause since the conflict escalated in October 2023.
The U.S. military, under President Donald Trump, has intensified its campaign against the Houthis since March 15, 2025, conducting daily airstrikes aimed at degrading their capabilities. However, this has not deterred the Houthis, who continue to threaten Israeli interests. In a statement, a spokesperson for the U.S. National Security Council affirmed, "The Trump administration remains committed to ending the Houthis' capabilities to hijack freedom of navigation in the Red Sea." This ongoing conflict has resulted in significant casualties, with over 52,000 Palestinians reported killed in Gaza since the war began.
As tensions escalate, Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz warned of severe retaliation against the Houthis, stating, "Whoever harms us will be harmed seven-fold." This rhetoric reflects the heightened state of alert and the potential for further military action in the region. Netanyahu is set to convene his top advisers and defense officials to deliberate on Israel's response to the Houthi missile strike.
The Houthi attacks have not only targeted Israel but have also included threats against commercial airlines, urging them to reconsider flying to Israeli airports. This has caused additional anxiety among airlines and travelers, as the Houthis have indicated their intent to continue their missile campaign.
In the broader context, the war in Gaza has created a dire humanitarian crisis, with over 90% of the population displaced and widespread shortages of food and essential supplies. The conflict, which began with a Hamas-led attack on southern Israel on October 7, 2023, has led to significant loss of life and destruction in Gaza.
As the situation unfolds, the international community watches closely, with calls for de-escalation and renewed efforts for a ceasefire. However, the current trajectory suggests that both sides may be preparing for an extended conflict, with significant implications for regional stability.
