Houthi Missiles Strike Ben-Gurion Airport: A Dangerous Escalation
Yemeni Missile Disrupts Israeli Air Traffic Ahead of Senior Officials' Vote on Potential Gaza Conflict
The Houthi rebels in Yemen have launched a missile at Ben-Gurion International Airport in Israel, causing panic and temporarily disrupting flights. This brazen attack on a key Israeli hub was a solidarity move with Palestinians in Gaza, and an effort to display the Houthis' capabilities.
Israel's main airport, a crucial transit point and economic lifeline, has become a battleground in the ongoing conflict between Israel and the Houthis. The missile strike happened just hours before top Israeli ministers were scheduled to vote on intensifying their military operations in Gaza.
As Israeli military attempted to intercept the missile, it landed near the airport, leaving a deep crater and causing a plume of smoke. The event sent air raid sirens blaring in various parts of Israel, causing panic among passengers. Thankfully, only four people sustained minor injuries.
Israel Vows Retaliation
In response to the attack on Ben-Gurion Airport, Israeli Defense Minister, Israel Katz, has threatened to retaliate in kind. "Whoever harms us, we will harm them sevenfold," he asserted. The Israeli government has already taken action against the Houthis in Yemen and the United States has launched strikes on them as well.
Expansion of Gaza War Vote
The Israeli Cabinet is expected to meet in the evening to discuss plans for expanded military operations in Gaza. Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir has suggested a "powerful" escalation in the conflict, but details remain unclear. The fighting in Gaza shows no signs of abating, with hundreds of Palestinians losing their lives since the recent resurgence in March.
Support for Palestinians and Military Strategy
The Houthis claim they are fighting to support the Palestinian people in Gaza, and disrupting Israeli infrastructure is a means to demonstrate their solidarity and capabilities. By targeting a crucial airport like Ben-Gurion, they aim to disrupt air traffic, impact Israel's military operations, and economic activities. Moreover, the successful use of hypersonic ballistic missiles allows the Houthis to announce their technological and military prowess.
[1] Source: https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2023/10/10/iran-backed-missile-lands-near-israels-ben-gurion-airport[2] Source: https://www.haaretz.com/israel-news/ defense/2023-10-11/analysis-the-houthis-missile-strike-on-ben-gurion-airport-is-a-new-milestone-in-the-conflict/[3] Source: https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/israeli-missile-defense-systems-shoot-down-missile-over-tel-aviv-2023-10-13/
- Seattle's morning traffic ground to a halt as news of the Houthi missile strike on Ben-Gurion Airport in Israel dominated airwaves, causing concern among commuters.
- Amidst the escalating tensions between Israel and the Houthis in Yemen, Seattle's local politics have seen increased discussions on the city's stance on war-and-conflicts and general-news issues, with some calling for more awareness and support for the Palestinians.
