Netanyahu Promises Strong Retaliation After Houthi Missile Strike Near Tel Aviv Airport

On Sunday morning, a missile fired from Yemen hit near Ben Gurion airport, injuring six people and sparking a military response from Israel.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has vowed a strong response following a missile strike by the Houthi rebels that landed near Ben Gurion Airport, Israel's main gateway. In a video shared on social media, Netanyahu indicated that Israel would retaliate decisively, stating, "We attacked in the past, we will attack in the future."

The missile, which flew from Yemen, hit the grounds close to the airport terminal, injuring four individuals and two others on their way to a shelter, according to reports from Israeli emergency services. Fortunately, none sustained serious injuries. In a related development, the Houthis declared that they would impose "a comprehensive aerial blockade" on Israel by targeting its airports, responding to perceived Israeli military escalation in Gaza.

Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz assured that the nation would respond forcefully to any aggression: "Anyone who hits us, we will hit them seven times stronger." Netanyahu further emphasized that the attacks by the Houthis are backed by Iran, indicating that Israel’s response would be strategic and take place "at a time and place of our choosing."

Footage circulated on social media showed drivers taking cover as the missile landed, creating a plume of black smoke close to the airport, located on the outskirts of Tel Aviv. Although flights were temporarily halted, operations resumed later, but several major airlines, including Lufthansa, Air France, and Delta, canceled flights to and from the airport.

Sirens were activated as the missile approached, prompting an investigation into why Israel's advanced air defense systems, including the Arrow system and a US-made THAAD battery, failed to intercept it. Senior police official Yair Hetzroni reported showing journalists the crater left from the missile impact, which measured several meters across and deep. However, he noted that there was no massive damage.

In light of the escalating conflict, Netanyahu convened a meeting with ministers and defense officials to strategize on how to respond to the Houthi attack. The Houthis, a rebel group backed by Iran and based in Yemen, have previously launched attacks on Israel as a show of solidarity for Hamas, although such missiles rarely penetrate Israel’s robust air defense systems. In additional military moves, the Houthis have been involved in attacks on shipping routes in the Red Sea, prompting US-led airstrikes against them, alongside UK support.