{"id":29073,"date":"2025-05-05T15:10:36","date_gmt":"2025-05-05T12:10:36","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.ir-ia.com\/news\/?p=29073"},"modified":"2025-05-05T15:10:37","modified_gmt":"2025-05-05T12:10:37","slug":"israel-vows-revenge-after-houthi-missile-strikes-near-tel-aviv-airport","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.ir-ia.com\/news\/israel-vows-revenge-after-houthi-missile-strikes-near-tel-aviv-airport\/","title":{"rendered":"Israel vows revenge after Houthi missile strikes near Tel Aviv airport"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

6 minute read<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

A missile launched from Yemen by the Houthi rebels on May 4, 2025, penetrated Israel\u2019s air defense systems and landed near Ben Gurion International Airport, disrupting flight operations and damaging the country\u2019s primary air travel hub.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The attack has shaken Israeli confidence in its missile defense systems and reignited geopolitical tensions involving Iran, Yemen, and the broader Middle East.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The missile strike, claimed by the Houthi rebel group, halted flights at Ben Gurion for around 30 minutes. Debris was seen scattered along the road near Terminal 3, along with a crater \u201ctens of meters wide and deep,\u201d according to senior Israeli police commander Yair Hetzroni.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Though there were no serious casualties, four individuals sustained injuries from the blast, and two others were hurt while seeking shelter, local emergency services confirmed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This marks the first known successful strike by the Houthis on Israel\u2019s main international airport. A statement from the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said that \u201cseveral attempts\u201d were made to intercept the missile but failed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThe interception results are under review,\u201d the military added. A spokesperson confirmed that Israel launched its long-range Arrow interceptor. At the same time, the U.S.-supported Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) system was also activated but failed to stop the projectile.<\/p>\n\n\n\n


Aviation and public disruption<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Following the strike, air traffic at Ben Gurion resumed, but not without continued disruptions. Lufthansa, Swiss, Austrian Airlines, Brussels Airlines, and Eurowings suspended all flights to and from Tel Aviv through May 6. Additional cancellations from Air France and Delta were also reported.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Trains to and from the airport were briefly suspended, and the public was advised to avoid the area. Footage shared on social media appeared to show vehicles pulling over and civilians taking cover as sirens rang out and the missile struck, generating a plume of black smoke visible from the airport road.<\/p>\n\n\n

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\"Houthi<\/a>
Israeli security forces inspect the site where a projectile fired by Yemen’s Houthi rebels landed, near Ben Gurion Airport on May 4, 2025. (Image Credit: Screen grab from social media\/via Times of Israel)<\/sup><\/em>

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A symbolic and strategic blow<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Houthi group announced that the missile strike was a response to Israel\u2019s military campaign in Gaza. \u201cThe American and Israeli defense systems failed to intercept the missile aimed at Ben Gurion Airport,\u201d Houthi military spokesperson Yahya Saree declared. He said the missile used was a \u201chypersonic ballistic missile,\u201d suggesting an advanced technology capable of high speeds and potential evasion of detection systems.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In a separate statement, the Houthis warned of further attacks and threatened a \u201ccomprehensive air blockade\u201d on Israel. They urged international airlines to \u201ccancel all scheduled flights to Israeli airports,\u201d underscoring the potential for escalation in the conflict and increased risk to civilian aviation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n


Accuracy of long-range strike<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The accuracy of the strike, reportedly from 2,000 kilometers, stunned Israeli analysts and officials alike. \u201cThey were very accurate, and to be very accurate if you\u2019re launching from 2,000 kilometers, it\u2019s impressive,\u201d said Amir Bar Shalom, military affairs analyst for Israel\u2019s Army Radio. \u201cYou have to take this threat seriously.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

He added that the military would now scrutinize how the interception systems responded to the missile, what detection thresholds were triggered, and why neither Israeli nor American systems were able to neutralize the threat. \u201cThere are so many parameters that may be relevant to the result that have to be analyzed,\u201d he noted.<\/p>\n\n\n\n


Political and military fallout<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The missile strike has significant ramifications for both Israeli defense posture and regional dynamics. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was quick to respond, vowing reprisal. \u201cWe acted before; we will act in the future too. I cannot elaborate on all of that. The U.S., in coordination with us, is also operating against them. It is not \u2018one and done\u2019 – but there will be hits,\u201d he said in a video address posted to social media.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Later, in a more pointed post on X, Netanyahu warned: \u201cIsrael will respond to the Houthi attack against our main airport AND, at a time and place of our choosing, to their Iranian terror masters.\u201d Defense Minister Israel Katz echoed the sentiment, stating, \u201cAnyone who hits us, we will hit them seven times stronger.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

President Trump is absolutely right!

Attacks by the Houthis emanate from Iran. Israel will respond to the Houthi attack against our main airport AND, at a time and place of our choosing, to their Iranian terror masters. pic.twitter.com\/eO4hyUzNsI<\/a><\/p>— Benjamin Netanyahu – \u05d1\u05e0\u05d9\u05de\u05d9\u05df \u05e0\u05ea\u05e0\u05d9\u05d4\u05d5 (@netanyahu) May 4, 2025<\/a><\/blockquote>