Yemen’s Houthi rebels announced they had launched another hypersonic ballistic missile at Israel’s Ben-Gurion International Airport on Friday, marking their third such attack within 24 hours. Brigadier General Yahya Sari, a spokesperson for the Houthi-controlled Yemeni armed forces, confirmed the strike in a televised statement, claiming it successfully hit its intended target near Tel Aviv.
According to Sari, the attack disrupted operations at Ben-Gurion Airport, Israel’s primary international travel hub, and forced what he described as “millions of illegal Jewish settlers” to seek shelter. However, Israeli authorities reported intercepting the missile and stated that no damage or casualties resulted from the strike. The Israeli military confirmed that since Thursday morning, it had neutralized three missiles fired from Yemen toward central Israel, including two ballistic missiles aimed at the airport.
The recent escalation comes as Yemen’s Houthi faction intensifies its missile and drone assaults against Israel in retaliation for the ongoing military offensive in Gaza, which has reportedly claimed over 53,800 Palestinian lives. The Houthis have repeatedly targeted Israeli infrastructure and U.S. naval vessels in the Red Sea, framing their actions as a direct response to Israel’s operations in Gaza.
Despite the heightened tensions, a temporary ceasefire agreement brokered by Oman and announced by U.S. President Donald Trump on May 6 had briefly raised hopes of de-escalation. Israeli officials, however, viewed the truce as unexpected and expressed skepticism about its long-term viability. The latest missile strike underscores the fragility of the ceasefire and the persistent volatility in the region.
While the Houthis maintain that their attacks are strategically effective, Israeli defense systems have so far managed to intercept incoming projectiles, preventing significant damage. The repeated targeting of Ben-Gurion Airport highlights the Houthis’ intent to disrupt Israeli air traffic and exert psychological pressure, though tangible military impact remains limited.
The conflict continues to draw international concern, with regional stability hanging in the balance. As both sides exchange accusations and military actions, the risk of further escalation looms, particularly if diplomatic efforts fail to address the underlying tensions fueling the cross-border strikes. For now, Israel remains on high alert, while the Houthis signal their readiness to sustain their campaign in solidarity with Gaza.
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