Israel experiences missile attacks from Yemen, temporarily halting flights at Ben Gurion Airport during Trump's Gulf visit.
Breaking News: Houthi Missile Strike Intercepted Over Israel; Trump in Gulf Amidst Tension
Israeli authorities temporarily suspended air traffic at Ben Gurion International Airport on May 13, 2025, after a hypersonic missile launched from Yemen triggered air raid sirens and emergency responses across central Israel. The Israeli military confirmed the interception of the missile, initially reported to be on a trajectory toward a critical target before it was successfully shot down in Israeli airspace.
The incident occurred while U.S. President Donald Trump was on a regional diplomatic tour, having recently met with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman in Riyadd and scheduled to visit Qatar and the UAE. This missile strike, coinciding with Trump's visit, highlights the geopolitical sensitivities at play in the Middle East.
Channel 12 reported the interception happened over central Israel, with fragments of the interceptor missile reportedly falling onto settlements in the occupied West Bank. The incident caused widespread panic, leading to several minor injuries among Israelis who ran for cover. Field aid was given to those affected by the stampede toward shelters.
The Houthi rebels, based in Yemen, have previously targeted Israel, with the latest attack marking the fourth such incident since May 4, 2025. These attacks have strained relations between Israel and the U.S., as Israel feels alienated by the recent ceasefire brokered by Oman, which did not address the ongoing attacks on its territory.
In March 2025, the U.S. launched a large campaign of air and naval strikes against Houthi targets in Yemen, known as Operation Rough Rider, following Houthi attacks on international shipping in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden. The U.S. ceasefire with the Houthis did not stop the group from continuing attacks on Israel. The ceasefire has been criticized for not addressing Israel's concerns, and some argue that the U.S. underestimated the Houthis' resilience.
The ongoing conflict underscores the complexities of Middle East politics and the challenges faced by the U.S. in navigating conflicts in the region. The situation remains fluid and tense, with potential implications for regional stability and international relations.
[1] Al Bawaba. (2025, May 13). Houthi Missile Strike Triggers Emergency Response in Israel amid Trump's Gulf Visit. Retrieved from https://www.albawaba.com[2] Al Jazeera. (2025, May 14). Yemen's Houthis launch three missiles towards Israel amid rising tensions. Retrieved from https://www.aljazeera.com[3] Reuters. (2025, May 6). U.S. ends air strikes on Houthi targets in Yemen, declares ceasefire. Retrieved from https://www.reuters.com[4] The Jerusalem Post. (2025, May 14). U.S. critics question Trump's ceasefire with Yemen's Houthis over Israel exclusion. Retrieved from https://www.jpost.com
- The incident of a Houthi missile strike intercepted over Israel on May 13, 2025, was covered extensively in general news, business, and politics sections, as it coincided with President Trump's Middle East visit.
- The conflict between Israel and the Houthi rebels in Yemen has also appeared in the entertainment and science sectors, with documentaries and discussions about the geopolitical implications and technological advancements in missile warfare.
- News outlets, such as Al Bawaba, Al Jazeera, Reuters, and The Jerusalem Post, have reported on the escalating tensions between Israel and Yemen's Houthis, as well as the U.S.'s involvement in creating a ceasefire, which has received criticism for omitting Israel's concerns.
- The historical context of the ongoing Middle East conflicts, including the relationship between Israel and Yemen's Houthis, has been a topic of study in academic circles, shedding light on the recurring war-and-conflicts that plague the region.
