A missile launched from Yemen hit the area around Ben Gurion Airport, near Tel Aviv. This missile strike is the latest in a series of attacks by the Houthi rebels. The missile managed to slip past Israel’s defense systems, raising concerns about the security of the country. This event has added more tension to an already volatile region.
The Attack Near Ben Gurion Airport
On May 4, 2025, a missile launched by the Iran-backed Houthi rebels hit a spot near Ben Gurion Airport, one of Israel’s busiest airports. The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) confirmed the strike. They said the missile had evaded interception by Israel’s advanced missile defense systems, including the Iron Dome.
The strike caused panic. Four civilians were injured by the blast, though their injuries were reported to be light. Emergency services responded quickly, treating the injured and securing the area. While the damage to the airport was not severe, the attack highlighted the vulnerability of Israel’s infrastructure to long-range missile threats.
Houthi Rebels Claim Responsibility
The Houthi rebels, based in Yemen and supported by Iran, took credit for the attack. They have been increasingly targeting Israeli interests, including missile strikes, in solidarity with Palestinians. The rebels see Israel’s actions against Palestinians as a reason for their attacks.
In a statement, the Houthi group said they would continue their attacks on Israel as long as they see the need to support Palestinians. This missile strike is just one of many, with the Houthis increasing their missile and drone attacks in recent months.
Israel’s Response: Retaliation Promised
Israel quickly reacted to the missile strike. Defense Minister Israel Katz promised retaliation, saying, “Whoever harms us, we will harm them sevenfold.” This statement is in line with Israel’s policy of swift retaliation to any attack on its territory.
The IDF confirmed that they attempted several interceptions of the missile. However, these attempts failed. The missile, which was launched from Yemen, was not intercepted in time. While Israel’s Iron Dome system is highly effective against short-range missiles, it has faced challenges when dealing with longer-range projectiles like the one fired by the Houthis.
In response to the attack, Israel launched airstrikes targeting Houthi missile sites in Yemen. The strikes aimed to weaken the rebel group’s ability to launch future attacks on Israeli territory. Israel has made it clear that it will not allow such attacks to go unpunished.
Growing Threat from Houthi Missiles
This missile strike is not the first from the Houthi rebels. Since the outbreak of the Gaza conflict in October 2023, the Houthis have launched several missiles at northern Israel. Some of these missiles breached Israel’s defense systems and caused damage to property and infrastructure. Thankfully, there have been few casualties.
The Houthis’ missile capabilities have improved over time. While they initially relied on less advanced weapons, they now use more sophisticated missiles, many of which are believed to be supplied by Iran. Although Iran denies arming the Houthis, there is evidence that the rebels have used Iranian weapons in their attacks.
US-Iran Tensions Escalate
The missile strikes have drawn the attention of the United States, which has been critical of the Houthis and their backers in Iran. The US has condemned the missile attacks on Israel and has taken steps to disrupt Houthi operations. In one recent action, the US launched an airstrike on a Yemeni prison where African migrants were being held. The strike killed 68 people and injured 47.
The US believes that Iran is behind the Houthis’ growing missile attacks. While Iran denies this claim, there is evidence of Iranian weapons being used by the rebels. The US has made it clear that it will not tolerate attacks on Israel or on vital trade routes in the Red Sea, which are crucial for global commerce.
Tensions between the US and Iran have been high for years. The two countries are engaged in a broader conflict over issues like Iran’s nuclear program and its support for proxy groups in the Middle East. The Houthis are one of these groups, and their missile attacks have only added to the tensions between the US and Iran.
The United Nations Responds
The United Nations has called for restraint from all parties involved. The UN has urged Israel, the Houthis, Iran, and the US to focus on diplomacy rather than military action. However, the complex nature of the conflict makes it difficult for the UN to achieve meaningful progress. The humanitarian crisis in Yemen, combined with the growing instability in the Middle East, has made negotiations challenging.
Despite these calls for diplomacy, it seems unlikely that the situation will de-escalate in the short term. The Houthis are determined to continue their attacks, and Israel has made it clear that it will respond with force.
What’s Next for the Region?
The missile strike near Tel Aviv is just one example of the growing instability in the region. As the conflict between Israel and the Palestinians continues, and as the Houthis continue their missile strikes, the risk of further escalation is high. Israel has vowed to retaliate against any future attacks, and the US is likely to continue its efforts to target Houthi missile sites in Yemen.
The situation remains volatile, with little hope for a quick resolution. The international community, including the United States and the United Nations, will need to work together to address the root causes of the conflict and prevent further violence.