Houthi Drone Attack Closes Israel Airport Amid Escalating Tensions

Sat Sep 13 2025 15:00:32 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)

A drone launched from Yemen by the Houthi militant group struck Ramon International Airport in southern Israel, leading to the closure of airspace and suspending flights. One person was injured in this incident, which follows heightened military actions between Israel and Houthi forces.

On Sunday, a drone attack by the Houthi militant group from Yemen hit Ramon International Airport in southern Israel, causing the airport to close and flights to be suspended. The Israeli military reported intercepting several other drones before they could reach Israeli territory. This attack comes in the wake of an Israeli airstrike that killed the Prime Minister of the Houthi government in Yemen, prompting the rebels to escalate their military operations. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu affirmed ongoing military operations in Gaza as tensions rise.

TEL AVIV, Israel (RTWNews) — A drone launched from Yemen by the Houthi militant group has struck Israel's Ramon International Airport, leading to the temporary closure of airspace over southern Israel and halting all flights, according to reports from the Israeli military.

The attack occurred as the Houthis launched multiple drones, several of which were intercepted before entering Israeli airspace. At least one drone managed to hit the passenger terminal of the airport near Eilat, lightly injuring one individual from shrapnel, as reported by Israel’s rescue services, Magen David Adom.

In May, the Houthis had previously targeted the Israeli main airport, resulting in injuries and subsequent cancellations of numerous flights for several months. Following that incident, Israel carried out a retaliatory strike that aimed at the main airport in rebel-held Sanaa.

Escalating Attacks

Nasruddin Amer, deputy head of the Houthi media office, celebrated the attack on social media, branding it a unique, qualitative military operation and warned that other sensitive targets could be next. This surge in aggression comes shortly after an Israeli strike killed the Houthi Prime Minister, Ahmed al-Rahawi, prompting a vow from the rebels to further escalate their attacks against Israel.

Additionally, the Houthis have started using cluster munitions in their missile assaults on Israel, which poses a greater challenge to interception due to the smaller munitions released from the explosive.

Israeli Operations in Gaza Continue

In conjunction with the Houthi drone assault, Prime Minister Netanyahu emphasized Israel's commitment to continue military operations in Gaza City, indicating that efforts to negotiate a ceasefire with Hamas were stagnant. He stated, Our effort in Gaza on the last strongholds...is part of our mission to dismantle the Iranian axis’s grip on the region.

While reports claim over 100,000 Palestinian evacuations from Gaza City, international agencies have urged caution due to the uncertain safety of evacuation routes.

Ongoing Conflict and Casualties

On the same day as the drone strike, Israeli airstrikes resulted in the deaths of at least 13 Palestinians, including women and children, according to local health officials. The Israeli military confirmed strikes targeting militants in civilian areas, reiterating their stance that Hamas operatives hide among the civilian population.

The continuing conflict has led to significant casualties on both sides, with the Gaza Health Ministry reporting nearly 64,368 deaths since the onset of hostilities, emphasizing the humanitarian toll as tensions remain high in the region.