A missile launched by Yemen’s Houthi rebel group struck near Ben Gurion International Airport in Tel Aviv on Saturday, leaving several people injured and raising new concerns over the region’s missile defense capabilities.
According to initial reports, the missile managed to bypass Israel’s Iron Dome defense system as well as U.S.-backed radar technologies, marking a rare breach of two of the world’s most sophisticated missile interception networks. The blast, which occurred in a commercial district not far from the airport’s perimeter, caused panic among travelers and residents alike. Emergency services were quick to respond, and the injured were taken to nearby hospitals. No fatalities have been reported so far.
The Israeli government swiftly condemned the attack, labeling it an “escalation of aggression” and promising a forceful military response. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu issued a statement Saturday evening, saying, “Israel will not tolerate attacks on its citizens and critical infrastructure. We will respond with precision and strength.”
In the immediate aftermath of the strike, several international airlines suspended flights to and from Tel Aviv, citing security concerns. The airport itself briefly halted operations, though flights have since resumed under heightened alert and with additional protective measures in place.
This marks the first time a missile from the Houthi movement — known for targeting locations in Saudi Arabia and the Red Sea region — has reached so close to central Israel. Military analysts have begun speculating about the missile’s origin and trajectory, suggesting potential external support in enhancing the Houthis’ targeting range.
The attack has reignited debates around the effectiveness of missile defense systems, particularly in light of recent regional escalations involving Iran and its allied militias. Both Israeli and U.S. defense officials are conducting an urgent review to understand how the missile slipped through existing security nets.
As tensions in the Middle East continue to simmer, this latest strike underscores the expanding reach of proxy groups and the growing complexity of regional conflict dynamics.
