Houthi Missile Attacks Target Israel’s Airport
On Sunday, the Israeli military reported the successful interception of a missile launched from Yemen, where the Iran-aligned Houthi rebels claimed responsibility for firing two missiles aimed at Israel’s primary airport. The military confirmed that air raid sirens sounded in multiple regions across the country as a precaution. The Houthis declared they had specifically targeted Ben Gurion airport, situated near Tel Aviv, escalating tensions in the ongoing conflict.
The situation escalated significantly following the outbreak of the Gaza conflict in October 2023, which began after Hamas, a Palestinian ally of the Houthis, launched an attack on Israel. Subsequently, the Houthis have consistently targeted Israeli territories with missiles and drones. Earlier this month, one of their missiles struck near Tel Aviv airport, resulting in injuries and highlighting vulnerabilities in Israel’s air defense capabilities.
Israeli Counterattacks and Strategic Responses
In response to the heightened threat from the Houthis, especially after missiles had landed near Ben Gurion airport, Israel conducted airstrikes targeting Houthi-controlled ports along the Red Sea in Hodeida and Salif. This military action was in direct retaliation for a series of missile attacks over consecutive days. Israeli officials have also issued stern warnings, stating that Houthi leadership could become a target should the missile assaults continue.
As part of its retaliation strategy, Israel launched attacks on the airport in Yemen’s capital, Sanaa, which is under Houthi control, as well as three power stations in the vicinity. Houthi military spokesman Yahya Saree addressed the press on Sunday, asserting that their group would persist in targeting Israel until what they termed the “siege
