Context:

A Houthi missile struck near Israel's largest airport in Tel Aviv, prompting multiple international airlines to cancel flights to Israel. The missile bypassed both Israeli and U.S. defense systems, leading Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to promise retaliation and convene defense meetings. Despite the severity of the strike, there were no reported injuries, and Israel has not confirmed any specific retaliatory actions. Meanwhile, over the weekend, Israeli forces targeted over 100 terror sites in Gaza, dismantling terrorist infrastructure and eliminating several Hamas operatives. This escalation follows a series of wildfires in Israel that led to the cancellation of independence day celebrations and widespread evacuations near Jerusalem.

Dive Deeper:

• A Houthi missile evaded Israeli and U.S. missile defenses and struck near Tel Aviv's main airport, causing airlines like Lufthansa, Swiss, and Air Europa to cancel flights, though they plan to resume operations by Monday.

• In response to the missile strike, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu vowed retaliation and engaged in defense meetings while Defense Minister Israel Katz stated that Israel would retaliate sevenfold against aggressors.

• No injuries were reported from the missile strike, and while Israel has not confirmed any immediate military response, tensions remain high in the region.

• Over the weekend, the Israeli Air Force conducted extensive operations in Gaza, hitting over 100 terror targets, including tunnels and military structures, and eliminating several Hamas terrorists.

• Concurrently, Israel has been dealing with massive wildfires near Jerusalem, which forced road closures, evacuations, and the cancellation of traditional independence day celebrations.

• The wildfires have been described as potentially the largest in the country's history, with high winds exacerbating the situation and leaving the fires far from being under control.

• These developments occur amid ongoing geopolitical tensions and highlight Israel's multifaceted security challenges, from external military threats to environmental crises.