Houthi Missile Hits Near Tel Aviv Airport
A ballistic missile launched by the Iranian-backed Houthi militia from Yemen struck near Israel's Ben Gurion Airport, causing injuries and temporarily suspending flights. Despite efforts by Israel's military to intercept the missile, it marked a significant failure of their defense systems, leading to an urgent security meeting led by Prime Minister Netanyahu. The attack was part of a series of strikes by the Houthis in solidarity with Hamas, which has escalated since the end of a ceasefire in Gaza. Israel's Defense Minister vowed a severe response, while opposition leaders criticized the government for not adequately defending against such threats. The incident reflects ongoing regional tensions and the complex interplay of military actions between Israel, Hamas, and their supporters, including Iran and the Houthis, amidst a broader geopolitical conflict involving U.S. negotiations with Iran over its nuclear program.
A missile from the Iranian-backed Houthi militia hit near Ben Gurion Airport in Israel, leading to the suspension of flights and injuries, but no fatalities were reported. The attack highlighted a significant security failure as it managed to bypass Israeli defenses.
Israel's military attempted several intercepts without success, marking the attack as a notable breach of their defense capabilities. This prompted an urgent security meeting by Prime Minister Netanyahu, with Defense Minister Israel Katz promising a severe retaliatory response.
The missile strike was the fourth in a series by the Houthis over 48 hours, aligning with their increased attacks following the end of a ceasefire in Gaza. This escalation is tied to the Houthis' support for Hamas, heightening regional tensions.
The incident underscores the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas, with over 50,000 Palestinians reportedly killed in Gaza since hostilities resumed in 2023. Israel's military efforts are aimed at dismantling Hamas and securing the release of hostages taken by the group.
Opposition leaders in Israel criticized the government's handling of the missile threat, urging decisive action against Iran, whom they blame for orchestrating these attacks through proxies like the Houthis.
The broader geopolitical context includes U.S. negotiations with Iran over its nuclear program, adding complexity to the regional dynamics. Despite international efforts, the conflict continues to affect civilian life, as seen in the disruptions and safety concerns at Israel's main airport.
Social media footage from the attack showed significant damage near the airport, with large missile fragments and a deep crater, illustrating the severity of the strike and its impact on public safety and international travel.