Yemeni-fired missile strikes Tel Aviv's airport.
Yemeni Ballistic Missile Strikes Israel's Ben Gurion Airport: Here's the Breakdown
On May 4, a ballistic missile, believed to be launched by the Iran-backed Houthis in Yemen, struck the outskirts of Israel's most bustling airport - Ben Gurion Airport, near Tel Aviv. This alarming incident left six people injured, none of them critically[2]. The impact site was a grove of trees close to Terminal 3[2]. Initially, reports stated eight injuries, but further updates confirmed the revised figure[1][2].
The missile sailed through the skies, seemingly unaffected by Israel's Arrow defense system and the U.S.'s THAAD system, marking a significant setback in Israel's air defense capabilities since the collapse of the Gaza ceasefire in March[1][2]. This marked the first instance of an incoming missile evading Israel's air defenses.
Airport operations were immediately halted, with flights suspended and access roads closed due to debris clearance. Train services to and from the airport were also momentarily stopped[1][3]. Sirens reverberated throughout central Israel, causing millions of people to seek shelter, as reported by local media[1].
Footage circulating online depicts the missile hitting a connecting road within the airport perimeter, scattering debris across nearby roads[1]. Israel responded promptly by activating its air defenses, but the missile managed to evade them[1][2]. The incident is under review, with Israel's Air Force's aerial defense array investigating the failure[1][2].
The attack is a part of the broader tensions and conflicts in the region. The Houthis, supporting Palestinians, have been targeting Israel in solidarity. The Houthis commenced attacks on Israel and maritime traffic as early as November 2023, following the Hamas attack on October 7[2][3]. The United States has been conducting airstrikes in Yemen against Houthi leadership and infrastructure lately[2]. These actions aim to counter Houthi aggression.
Tensions in the region are escalating. The missile strike occurred just hours before Israeli Cabinet ministers were due to discuss intensifying military operations in Gaza, underscoring the mounting tension in the region[3].
- The ballistic missile, which is suspected to have been launched by the Iran-backed Houthis in Yemen, was intercepted near Israel's Ben Gurion Airport.
- Politicians and military officials in Israel are reportedly discussing intensifying military operations in Yemen in response to the recent missile strike.
- Circulating news reports and footage show the missile hitting a road within the airport perimeter, causing debris to scatter across nearby roads.
- The missile strike in Yemen marks a significant event in the ongoing war-and-conflicts and politics in the region, as the Houthis continue to target Israel in solidarity with Palestinians and other parties involved.
