On Sunday, a missile fired from Yemen forced Israel to momentarily close its primary international airport, Ben Gurion Airport, highlighting the persistent threat from Houthi rebels. Despite Israel’s advanced missile defence systems, including the Arrow interceptor and US THAAD deployment, the missile evaded interception and landed nearby, prompting a suspension of flights for around 30 minutes.
The Israel Defence Forces (IDF) are currently reviewing the interception’s results, while Yemen’s Iran-aligned Houthi group claimed responsibility for the attack, describing it as retaliation for Israel’s actions in Gaza. They further indicated a potential escalation, threatening to impose a comprehensive air blockade by continuously targeting Israeli airports.
This incident marks a significant breach of security at one of Israel’s most heavily defended sites. Reports indicate that the missile, described as a “hypersonic ballistic missile,” successfully demonstrated both precision and the capacity to penetrate Israel’s air defences. Analysts are concerned about the implications of this attack, suggesting it could indicate a new type of threat if such advanced capabilities were indeed transferred to the Houthis.
Israeli officials, including Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, have pledged a strong response, with Defence Minister Israel Katz warning of a “sevenfold” retaliation. Meanwhile, Iranian officials warned that any attacks on Iran would be met with decisive action.
The missile strike follows a pattern of incursions, as the IDF noted it was the third consecutive day of missile launches from Yemen towards Israel. Despite a largely successful interception rate historically, instances like this highlight vulnerabilities in Israeli defence systems, particularly as missile technology evolves.
As tensions escalate, major airlines have temporarily suspended operations to Tel Aviv. The broader context involves ongoing military actions in the region, with the US conducting extensive operations against the Houthis aimed at curtailing their offensive capabilities affecting trade routes and regional stability. The situation continues to evolve, with significant ramifications for both local security and international aviation.