Yemeni missile halts Israeli airport operations, preceding parliamentary vote on escalating Gaza conflict.
Israel's Ben-Gurion International Airport faced a dangerous situation on May 4, 2025, when a Yemeni Houthi missile attack temporarily shut down operations. This hypersonic ballistic missile hit near an access road, causing panic among passengers and heavy disruption to flights.
The incident occurred just hours before Israeli Cabinet ministers were set to discuss intensifying military operations in Gaza. In response to the attack, Israel's army started calling up tens of thousands of reserves under the command of Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir. The army claimed the missile struck the airport for the first time since the war in Gaza began, and preliminary findings suggest the likely culprit was a technical issue with the interceptor[1].
Four individuals suffered minor injuries in the attack. In response to the incident, multiple international airlines cancelled or delayed flights. The recent conflict with Hamas in Gaza and previous airlines suspending service to Israel, only to resume in recent months, left a significant impact on the airline industry[2].
The Houthis have targeted Israel throughout the war in solidarity with Palestinians. Their attacks have gained international attention as the last remaining Iranian "Axis of Resistance" member capable of launching regular strikes on Israeli soil. The U.S. military launched a daily airstrike campaign against the Houthis since March 15, 2025[2].
On May 5, the rebels warned airlines against flying to Israel, stating their intention to carry out "repeated targeting" of Ben-Gurion, Israel's primary gateway to the world. In response, Israel pledged to counterattack the Houthis and their Iranian terror allies at a time and place of its choosing[1][3].
As Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated, the U.S. supports Israel's operations against the Houthis. Israel imposed an entry ban on goods into Gaza in March 2025, attempting to pressure Hamas into negotiating a new ceasefire[4]. Since the ceasefire's collapse in March, Israel has captured significant portions of coastal enclave, resulting in hundreds of Palestinian civilian deaths according to local health officials.
This latest development in the ongoing conflict represents a serious escalation, posing significant risks to both regional stability and international aviation. As the situation continues to evolve, it is crucial for all parties involved to prioritize diplomacy and dialogue over violent action towards a peaceful resolution.
Sources: 1. AP News, "Yemeni rebels urge Israel to accept truce, warn of more attacks," May 4, 2025. 2. Haaretz, "Israel strikes Houthi targets after missile hits near Ben-Gurion Airport," May 4, 2025. 3. The Times of Israel, "Israel strikes Houthis in Yemen in response to ballistic missile," May 5, 2025. 4. Al Jazeera, "Battle for Gaza: How the abandoned strip became a killing field," March 25, 2025.
- The Yemeni Houthi missile attack on Israel's Ben-Gurion International Airport on May 4, 2025, was a potential catalyst for escalating military operations in Gaza, as Israeli Cabinet ministers were scheduled to discuss intensifying operations hours later.
- The attack on the airport, which caused minor injuries to four individuals and disrupted flights, was followed by the Israeli military calling up tens of thousands of reserves under Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir's command.
- In the general news category, the Houthis have been targeting Israel throughout the war, and their attacks have drawn attention due to them being the last remaining Iranian "Axis of Resistance" member capable of striking Israeli soil.
- The recent conflict between Israel and Hamas in Gaza, along with recent airline cancellations and delays, has had a considerable impact on the airline industry, which is a part of the crime-and-justice and politics sectors.
