A ballistic missile fired from Yemen struck near Israel’s Ben-Gurion International Airport on Sunday morning, May 4, 2025, causing injuries and temporarily halting air traffic at one of the country’s busiest airports. The incident highlights the ongoing conflict involving Iranian-backed Houthi rebels and raises concerns about Israel's air defense capabilities.
The missile landed in the vicinity of the airport, prompting the Israeli military to report that several attempts were made to intercept it. The attack occurred at approximately 9:18 AM local time, triggering air raid sirens across central Israel, including in major cities like Tel Aviv and Jerusalem.
According to the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), the military deployed its long-range Arrow interceptor and the U.S.-made THAAD anti-missile system in an attempt to neutralize the threat. However, both systems reportedly failed to intercept the missile, which was claimed by the Houthis as a response to Israel’s actions in Gaza. Houthi spokesperson Yahya Saree stated that the missile was a “hypersonic ballistic missile” aimed at the airport, intended to protest what they described as Israel’s “crime of genocide” against the Palestinian people.
The impact of the missile resulted in moderate to light injuries to six people, according to Magen David Adom, Israel’s emergency medical service. Victims included a man in his 50s with limb injuries and several others who suffered trauma while seeking shelter. They were treated and transported to hospitals, including Shamir Medical Center and Sheba Medical Center.
The strike led to a temporary suspension of all flights, with operations halted for about 30 minutes. Passengers reported feeling panic as they scrambled for cover, and some incoming flights were diverted. Airlines including Air India, Lufthansa, and British Airways announced cancellations of flights to and from Tel Aviv until early next week, citing safety concerns.
Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz condemned the attack, vowing a severe response: “Whoever harms us will be harmed by us sevenfold.” The Israeli security cabinet convened later that day to discuss the implications of the incident and potential military responses. This attack marks a significant escalation, as it was the fourth missile fired by the Houthis targeting Israel within just 48 hours.
Amir Bar Shalom, a military affairs analyst, noted the missile's impressive accuracy, stating, “They were very accurate, and to be very accurate if you’re launching from 2,000 kilometers, it’s impressive.” He emphasized the need for a thorough investigation to understand the failures of the interception systems, indicating that the military would analyze various parameters, including sensor detection and interceptor performance.
This incident underscores the ongoing tensions in the region, which have escalated since the outbreak of the Gaza war in October 2023. The Houthis have increasingly targeted Israel, claiming solidarity with the Palestinian cause. In recent months, they have launched numerous missiles and drones, with many intercepted by Israeli defenses, but some have managed to breach these systems.
The Houthi rebels have declared their missile capabilities include stealth technology and high maneuverability, with a range of over 2,150 kilometers. The recent attacks from Yemen come as Israel continues its military operations in Gaza, which have resulted in significant casualties and a humanitarian crisis in the region.
In light of the recent missile attack, Israeli officials are contemplating a broader military strategy. The security cabinet is expected to discuss plans to expand military operations in Gaza, particularly as the U.S. military has recently intensified its strikes against Houthi targets in Yemen, aiming to diminish their capacity to launch attacks on Israel.
The situation remains fluid, with ongoing military and political developments likely to unfold in the coming days. As Israel grapples with the implications of this attack, the international community watches closely, concerned about the potential for further escalation in an already volatile region.
