In a significant escalation of regional tensions, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has vowed a strong retaliatory response after a missile launched by Yemen's Iran-backed Houthi rebels struck near Israel's Ben Gurion International Airport on May 4, 2025. The attack injured at least eight people and disrupted airport operations, marking a rare breach of Israel's air defense systems.
The missile, which landed within the airport's perimeter, created a crater and led to the temporary suspension of air traffic. Major international airlines, including Lufthansa, Delta, ITA Airways, and Air France, canceled flights to and from Tel Aviv in the aftermath of the strike. Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz declared that Israel would "strike back seven times harder," emphasizing the severity of the response being considered.
Prime Minister Netanyahu directly attributed the attack to Iran's influence, stating that the Houthis' actions were under Tehran's direction. This incident is part of a series of Houthi missile firings since Israel's military campaign against Hamas in Gaza began following Hamas's October 7, 2023 assault, which killed 1,200 people and led to 250 hostages being taken. In response, Israel launched a devastating offensive in Gaza that has killed over 52,500 people, according to Palestinian officials.
The Houthi rebels, who control large parts of Yemen, have intensified missile and drone attacks since the Israel-Hamas conflict began. Their actions have disrupted global shipping in the Red Sea, attributing their attacks to solidarity with Hamas. Despite retaliatory strikes by the US, UK, and Israel, the Houthis remain undeterred. In parallel, Israel is escalating its military campaign in Gaza, calling up reservists and aiming to pressure Hamas and Iran. As tensions rise, Israel is reconsidering its former policy of restraint toward Houthi targets in Yemen.
Iran, while unveiling a new solid-fueled ballistic missile named "Qassem Basir" on the same day, denied direct involvement with the Houthis' actions. However, Iranian Defense Minister Gen. Aziz Nasirzadeh warned that any attack on Iran would result in retaliatory strikes on the interests and bases of the United States and Israel. The new missile boasts improved guidance and maneuverability, enabling it to evade anti-ballistic defense systems, and has a range of at least 1,200 kilometers.
The Israeli government's response to the airport attack includes mobilizing thousands of reservists, indicating a potential expansion of operations. Despite internal and international pressure for a ceasefire and hostage deal, Netanyahu maintains that defeating Hamas remains Israel's ultimate goal. The ongoing conflict has led to severe humanitarian crises in Gaza, including extreme hunger due to the blockade of basic supplies.
This incident underscores the fragile security situation in the Middle East, with the potential for further escalation involving multiple state and non-state actors. The international community watches closely as Israel prepares its response, which could have far-reaching implications for regional stability and global security.