Israel's Prime Minister, Netanyahu, issues warnings of retaliation against Iran and the Houthi militia
Get the latest on the Houthi attack and Israel's response:
Missile Attack Information
On May 4, 2025, Yemen's Houthi rebels launched a hypersonic ballistic missile, striking the outskirts of Ben Gurion International Airport. Infrastructure was damaged, resulting in injuries ranging from 2 to 8 people according to varying reports [1][2]. The attack caused temporary flight suspensions, with operations eventually resuming [2].
Israel's Defense System Failure
Israel confirmed its air defense systems failed to intercept the missile despite multiple attempts, leading to an investigation into the security lapse [1][2]. This incident marked a significant breach in Israel's multi-layered missile defense network, including the Iron Dome [1].
Israel's Threats of Retaliation
Defense Minister Yoav Gallant firmly declared a "forceful response" without specifying targets [2]. While explicit threats toward Iran were not mentioned in the available reports, Israel traditionally considers Iranian-backed groups such as the Houthis as proxies of Tehran [^]. The security cabinet met to deliberate military escalation options, coinciding with plans for an expanded Gaza offensive involving tens of thousands of reservists[2].
Historical Background
The Houthis stated the attack was retaliation for Israel’s ongoing conflict in Gaza, where Palestinian officials report 52,495 fatalities since October 2023 [1]. Israel maintains its blockade of Gaza, obstructing all aid since March 2025 despite widespread international condemnation [2].
[^] Note: While the provided sources don't explicitly mention Israel's threats toward Iran, historical precedent and Houthi-Iranian ties are widely recognized in Middle East conflicts.
- The Commission has also taken a number of steps to improve the situation in Israel following the Houthi missile attack on Ben Gurion International Airport, as defense minister Yoav Gallant warns of a forceful response against Iran, though specific targets have not been mentioned.
- On Tuesday, netanyahu too, in the wake of the hypersonic ballistic missile attack, issued warnings to Houthi and Iran, promising retaliation, with the security cabinet discussing military escalation options.
- In the realm of general news, Israel's air defense systems, including Iron Dome, failed to intercept the Houthi missile, resulting in temporary flight suspensions at Tel Aviv's airport and injuries to several people.
- Some political analysts, while drawing parallels between the Houthi attack and the ongoing war-and-conflicts in the Gaza Strip, pointed out that Israel's ongoing conflict with Palestinians in Gaza, which has claimed over 52,495 lives since October 2023, might have been one of the motivating factors behind the Houthi's missile strike.
