On Sunday morning, a Yemen-launched missile hit the fence of Israel’s Ben Gurion International Airport. Eight were injured and a road and car were destroyed. Yemen’s Houthis rebels immediately claimed responsibility. Israel’s airport authorities consequently suspended flight traffic.
Meanwhile, the country’s defense system attempted—but failed—to intercept the missile despite repeated attempts. In response to the strike, the Houthis threatened that Ben Gurion was no longer secure. The direct hit constitutes a perilous escalation of their backing of Hamas in the war in Gaza.
Missile Strike Paralyzes Key Israeli Airport
Immediately after the blast, anarchy clung to central Israel. Sirens wailed. Citizens made a mad dash for shelters. Thick plumes of smoke swirled above. Videos shot at the location revealed trash spilled on surrounding streets. The rocket struck just short of the airport, close enough to close it down.
As soon as that happened, authorities at the airport canceled all flights. They blocked entrances and shut down trains traveling to the target. Thus, Ben Gurion—Israel’s busiest airport—grounded operations temporarily.
Israel’s Defense Sits Idle on the Response
Minutes thereafter, the Israeli defense force confirmed the attack. They outlined how their defense systems tried to down the missile—but failed. The failure raised alarm throughout defense circles. Israel is dependent on its Iron Dome and multi-layer protection systems.
But the attack proved that even the best defense systems can fail. To fill the gap, the defense force initiated an urgent inquiry.
Houthis step up cross-border attacks
Within days of the strike, Houthi military spokesman Yahya Saree was on television. He took full responsibility and made a brazen threat. Ben Gurion airport was now “no longer safe,” he said. This was not a hollow threat—it was a warning. The Houthis have launched several projectiles in recent months since the Gaza war began.
But now, they have escalated from symbolic gestures to strategic targets within Israel. Obviously, their support for Hamas has entered a new and perilous phase.
West Asia’s Conflict Turns Even Hotter
This attack did more than destroy a road—it fueled the flames of an escalating regional war. Each subsequent attack drags the Houthis further into Israel’s conflict with Hamas. Since Iran supports the group, their actions weigh heavily beyond Yemen.
Furthermore, they are mounting new fronts. As a result, the threat of an expanded war in West Asia becomes more likely each day. For Israel, it means preparing for more than one front in the coming days.
Israel Needs to Recalculate its Air Defense Strategy
Obviously, the old security postulates no longer hold. If Houthis can attack Ben Gurion, then no target is actually safe. Thus, Israel needs to get used to new things fast. More interceptors, quicker reaction, and better intelligence are all important. But more than equipment, the larger question persists.
Can Israel defend itself against threats from Gaza, the Red Sea, Lebanon, and Yemen simultaneously?
