A ballistic missile launched by Iranian-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen struck within the perimeter of Israel’s Ben Gurion Airport on Sunday, marking the most direct hit yet on one of the nation’s most critical infrastructures. Israeli officials are now weighing military retaliation—against either Yemen or Iran.
According to the Times of Israel, the missile landed in a grove next to an access road inside the airport’s grounds, narrowly missing key facilities. The missile triggered widespread air raid sirens across central Israel and bypassed both the Israeli Arrow missile defense system and the U.S.-made THAAD system, raising serious concerns about defense vulnerabilities.
Several civilians were reportedly injured, including one individual hurt while running to a bomb shelter. Israel’s main international airport was shut down for an hour, and several international airlines temporarily suspended flights, highlighting the growing threat to civilian infrastructure.
Israeli leaders convened emergency meetings to formulate a response. While the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) have previously targeted Houthi positions in Yemen, escalating tensions may push the government to strike Iran directly. Iran is widely acknowledged to be the primary financier and arms supplier of the Houthis.
“This is not Yemen — this is Iran,” said Israeli opposition leader and former IDF chief Benny Gantz, reinforcing the view within Israel’s security establishment that Iran bears ultimate responsibility.
The missile strike comes amid an ongoing regional escalation, with the U.S. military already engaged in airstrikes against Houthi targets in Yemen. President Donald Trump has previously warned that Iran will be held directly accountable for proxy attacks carried out by the Houthis.
With Israel now under direct attack and defense systems having failed to intercept a missile aimed at its main transportation hub, pressure is mounting for a decisive response that could reshape the region’s already volatile balance of power.
